Dear Members,
As we dive into the new year, the California Bankers Association (CBA) has been making strides on several fronts to advocate, educate, and connect with the banking industry. Our dedication to representing the interests of California banks has never been more focused.
Advocacy Efforts and Legislative Engagements
The heart of our mission lies in effective advocacy, and the CBA's advocacy team has been busy. Engaging with legislators and various advocacy groups, our team has been at the forefront of discussions on several critical measures that could significantly impact our industry. Highlighting our proactive approach are two measures we've sponsored: AB 2618 (Chen) relating to reciprocal deposits and SB 1127 (Niello) focused on termination of small trusts. These pieces of legislation represent an opportunity to address issues important to bankers. For a deeper dive into these bills and their implications, I recommend reading Jason Lane's article featured in this issue.
Subsequent Increase in Annual Bank Assessments Paused
We are pleased to announce that the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation will pause any subsequent increase in annual bank assessments pending the completion of an external fee study. After increasing annual bank assessments for 2023-2024 by 27 percent, the Department was initially poised to impose a similar increase for 2024-2025. CBA expressed concern regarding the proposed increases in annual bank assessments and memorialized our perspective in writing last August. The pausing of any subsequent increase in annual bank assessments pending the external study is an important development.
Engagement and Representation in the Nation’s Capital
In March, we had the privilege of representing our members in Washington D.C. during our annual visit, coinciding with the ABA's Annual Summit. It was incredibly gratifying to join CBA members, who took advantage of the opportunity to engage with legislators, regulators, and industry peers from across the nation. These interactions are invaluable as we continue to advocate for policies that support the banking community.
Educational Partnerships and Opportunities
Recognizing the importance of continuous learning and professional development, CBA has embarked on an exciting partnership with OnCourse Learning. This collaboration marks a milestone in our efforts to provide bankers access to an unparalleled range of educational resources. With more than 450 live webinars and innovative learning experiences at their fingertips, our members are poised to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.
Upcoming Events
Looking ahead, our Annual Conference & Directors Forum will take place on the Big Island of Hawaii on April 19-22, 2024. We are thrilled to announce that Billy Beane, senior advisor to Oakland Athletics owner John Fisher, will be our keynote speaker.* Billy's innovative approach to baseball management and team building offers profound insights applicable beyond the sports arena, into business and leadership. The conference program is packed with distinguished speakers and sessions covering a wide range of topics critical to our industry, including succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and the regulatory landscape. We hope to see you there.
Additionally, we are pleased to invite you to join us on May 29 for a roundtable discussion hosted by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation in Sacramento. This event promises engaging dialogue on issues pertinent to our industry. For more information about the roundtable event or to register, please visit our website.
A Note of Gratitude
As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities for our industry, we are deeply grateful for the trust and support of our members. The CBA is committed to representing your interests and fostering an environment where California's banks can thrive.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to work on your behalf.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gould
President & CEO
Bringing members together.
Making our banks better.
*“Arrangements for the appearance of Billy Beane made through UTA Speakers, New York, NY.”