Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that 2026 is already here. As I reflect on the past year, I’m reminded of what a successful team we are due to the commitment and dedication each of you brings as members of the Montana Independent Bankers.

Between a successful legislative session, the honor of serving as the new executive director of the association, an outstanding annual convention and the launch of our Banking Course partnership with Helena College, we truly hit the ground running in 2025. I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished together.

Now that 2026 is underway, we’re jumping right in, and I’m thrilled about what the year ahead will bring. There are incredible opportunities in store for all of us.

MIB/MSU Community Banking Networking Night

We were thrilled to partner with Montana State University (MSU) for our Community Banking Networking Night on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Jabs Hall.

Several years ago, MIB made it a priority to provide seed funding to support the community banking program at MSU, with a focus on internships, curriculum development, scholarships, guest speakers and industry events. These efforts help promote the vital role community banking plays in our communities and highlight the career pathways available to students.

This networking event provided our member banks with an excellent opportunity to connect with students interested in pursuing careers in banking. The event was informal and designed to foster meaningful conversations about career opportunities and ways students can get involved in our industry. If you would like more information about future networking opportunities, please contact me at shane@mibonline.org.

Fundamentals of Banking Course

We are very excited by the strong response to our first offering of the Fundamentals of Banking Course this past fall. The feedback and support for the course were tremendous.

As a reminder, this course is offered quarterly throughout the year. It is the same course each time, simply offered at different points to accommodate varying schedules. The current session is running from Jan. 26 to March 6, 2026. The next session will be offered from April 27 to June 5.

Whether you’re a seasoned banker or a new employee, we strongly encourage participation. We’ve seen a great response from those who completed the first session. One of the best aspects of the course is its flexibility — it’s fully online and designed to fit your schedule. Participants typically dedicate just a few hours each week to completing the coursework and assignments. If you’re interested in registering, please do so by visiting www.mibonline.org/bankingcourse.

Main Street Capital Access Act (H.R. 6955)

During the first week of January, House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (AR-02) and Subcommittee on Financial Institutions Chairman Andy Barr (KY-06) unveiled their highly anticipated community banking package, H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act.

This important legislation includes several long-sought provisions aimed at spurring local bank formation and ensuring community banks are well-positioned to serve Main Street small businesses and families.

In the announcement, Chairman Hill stated:

“As a former community banker, I know firsthand the important role community banks play in driving America’s economic engine and helping Main Street grow and thrive. Over the past year, the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, under Chair Barr’s leadership, has worked tirelessly to examine outdated regulations, listen directly to small businesses, and confront barriers to capital access for small and mid-sized banks. I am proud to introduce the Main Street Capital Access Act to reinvigorate community banking and bring common sense back to Main Street.”

Below is ICBA’s summary of key provisions in the bill:

• Tailors regulations to the lower risk profile of community banks
• Eases excessive capital requirements
• Supports the formation of new community banks
• Ensures fair and consistent agency examinations
• Raises thresholds for holding custodial and reciprocal deposits
• Requires appointment of an FDIC board member with experience in small depository institutions
• Modernizes the Federal Reserve’s discount window lending programs
• Provides relief at the holding company level
• Promotes responsible bank-fintech partnerships

GENIUS Act

At the time of writing, we are awaiting the Senate Banking Committee’s forthcoming markup regarding broader market structure reforms.

While some progress has been made on unresolved issues stemming from the GENIUS Act, one of the most critical remaining questions involves the offering of “interest,” “rewards” or “yields” on payment stablecoins. We have been closely monitoring these discussions.

To underscore the stakes, an ICBA analysis found that allowing interest, yield or rewards on stablecoin holdings would reduce community bank lending by $850 billion, driven by a $1.3 trillion decline in industry deposits over the long term.

It is essential that our Congressional delegation hears directly from you. Please reach out if you haven’t done so already. Regardless of the outcome of the markup, there is still a long road ahead, and your voice matters. It’s critical that our leaders understand how this could significantly drain community bank deposits and limit credit availability. We must do everything possible to ensure this is adequately addressed, protecting our communities, families and Main Street small businesses.

May each of you have a wonderful start to 2026.