Pub. 2 2013 Issue 6

l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s 12 O n the annual Washing- ton trip in June, the KBA Federal Affairs Committee (FAC) faced numerous issues related to banking regulation and continued political maneuvering that holds all banks accountable for business that is gener- ally done in larger institutions. The group held face-to-face meetings with leadership at the FDIC, CFPB and OCC. These gatherings generally focused on the plight of Kansas banks in pursuit of regulatory relief and concern for what capital requirements might be looming in the future. While the FDIC and CFPB offer assurances that they are in sync with one another, neither could offer any conclusion as to how community banks might stand separate from larger institutions based on business product lines and practices. With announcements of modified rules and new regulations released from the CFPB on a regular basis, bankers are skeptical of the intent of the new regulator. There was considerable discussion on overdraft policy and how qualified mortgage (QM) guidelines affect small home loans in rural areas. It became readily apparent that the CFPB recognizes that the rules they have put in place have had an effect on credit accessibility. Noting that amended rules published earlier this year allow for an exemption for many mortgage loans for community banks, agency officials relayed that they want to ensure credit availability in all communities. KBA Chairman Frank Carson noted that, “while the CFPB may not be popular, it appears that they are digging down the best they can with the specific mandates they have been given and the timing constraints they’re under. I’m pleased to see that they are looking at how they can modify their rules to help community banks serve their custom- ers and ultimately protect consumers.” While on Capitol Hill, bankers met with their individual Congressional delegates followed by a collective gathering with both Kansas Senators. Topics in these discussions included agricultur- al lending items such as opposing caps on crop insurance and eliminating the term limits on USDA operating loan guarantees. Dialogue also included requests to support bank regulation relief measures and opposition to increasing credit union business lending caps without eliminating their tax exempt status. A joint session with Senator Jerry Moran and Senator Pat Roberts in the Senate Visitors Center, prior to a confirmation vote, pro - vided a change to the routine. “Many of us have been coming on this trip for years,” stated Frank Carson. “It’s important to remind ourselves that our presence does make a difference. We have to make sure that the people making decisions know what we’re thinking and we can’t afford to be overlooked.” KBA Presses for Regulatory Relief Kansas bankers walk from the Congressional offices to the Capitol for a scheduled meeting with U.S. Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran.