Government Relations & Advocacy

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National Partners

Banking can bridge the political divide

Reading Time: 2 minutesNot only is bipartisan cooperation still possible when it comes to banking—it’s happening.

Rob Nichols May 18, 2026

a photo showing the interior of the Indiana Senate chambers

Government Relations

2026 Legislative Session Summary

Reading Time: 5 minutesThe Indiana General Assembly concluded its work for the 2026 legislative session at the end of the February, wrapping up a fast-paced and highly compressed schedule.

Dax Denton and Connor Wong May 18, 2026

National Partners

Fighting on in 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutesIn just the first few weeks of 2026, the banking industry faced two separate and significant policy challenges.

Rob Nichols March 16, 2026

Next-Gen Focus Education & Events

Future leaders of Indiana banking had a unique experience seeing lawmakers working on a compressed timeline as they endeavored to complete their normal legislative work after spending the start of session focused on a proposal to redraw the state’s congressional district boundaries.

Josh Myers March 16, 2026

a photo of the front of the Indiana Statehouse

Government Relations

Early start to advocacy season

Reading Time: 4 minutesA December start to session for legislators to debate proposed changes to the state’s congressional districts will result in adjournment sine die at the end of February.

Dax Denton and Connor Wong March 16, 2026

Government Relations

Redistricting efforts trigger early start to session

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe short session began earlier than usual due to a late-year push to address congressional redistricting ahead of the 2026 elections.

Dax Denton and Connor Wong February 2, 2026

National Partners

Opportunities Ahead: The outlook for banks in 2026

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhile the regulatory tides have certainly turned, we also recognize that it won’t be all smooth sailing ahead.

Rob Nichols February 2, 2026

National Partners

Marching into 2026 on the advocacy frontline

Reading Time: 2 minutesWhen you speak up on behalf of community bankers, you truly make an impact.

Rebeca Romero Rainey February 2, 2026

Government Relations Education & Events

Advocacy amid a shutdown

Washington was closed for business when dozens of Indiana bankers landed for the IBA’s Annual Washington Trip.

Dax Denton November 4, 2025

a photo of the Indiana Statehouse at night as seen from Government Center Plaza

Government Relations

Stablecoins: What they are and how they affect the banking industry

These blockchain-based digital tokens are designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, and enable fast, low-cost transactions 24/7.

Dax Denton and Ross Teare September 2, 2025

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Mergers & Acquisitions

The Farmers Bank merges with First Bank Richmond

The two organizations became First Bank Midwest effective July 1, 2026.

Indiana Bankers Association July 14, 2026

Row of gray paper-cut silhouette profiles facing left; one red figure wearing a headset stands out among them.

HR Topics

Whistle while you work?

Reading Time: 5 minutesThe range of protected activity at a financial institution is broader than many managers realize.

Joey K. Wright and Asha A. Cermak July 13, 2026

a photo of the office's seal on an exterior wall at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in Washington, D.C.

Compliance Connection

The OCC steps in to protect banks from the Illinois Interchange Fee Prevention Act

Reading Time: 2 minutesUntil a final ruling is issued, Indiana banks should continue to monitor developments in this litigation.

Brett J. Ashton July 13, 2026

Next-Gen Focus Vantage Viewpoint

FSA welcomes first apprenticeship class

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe IBA’s Financial Services Academy will host 30-35 apprentices across 17 banks spanning the state this fall.

Amber Van Til July 13, 2026

BankerProfiles

DigitalExtras

Education& Events

LegislatorProfiles

WashingtonReport

Chairman'sReport

ComplianceConnection

Next-GenFocus