2026 Pub. 5 Issue 1

NICB Endorsed Partners Bankers Compliance Consulting — Dave Dickenson Barret Graduate School of Banking — Memphis, Tennessee Community Bankers Webinar Network — Financial Ed Dell Computers ICBA Securities — Jim Reber ICBA Bancard NICB-CBAK Liquidity Program Spectrum Financial — Fee Income with Credit Insurance Products/Services, Identity Theft Program, Flood Determinations — Scott Votava Travelers Insurance […]

As fraud schemes evolve in complexity and scope, financial institutions are called upon to do more than just detect and prevent illicit activity.

When it comes to card revenue, having the right bank identification number (BIN) type is critical. BINs are the first six to eight digits on a card that identify the issuing institution and card type, but their impact extends beyond labeling a transaction.

It’s been a turbulent few years, beginning with the pandemic and followed by persistent inflation, rising housing costs and uncertainty surrounding economic policy.

I think most bankers, being numbers people by trade, have some familiarity with the phrase in this headline, which is often associated with Mark Twain.

Looking back on 2025, we have advocacy successes to celebrate. From tax reform and the ACRE tax deduction for interest earned on agricultural real estate loans to President Donald Trump signing into law legislation to bar credit reporting agencies from selling “trigger leads” when consumers apply for a residential mortgage, we have seen developments that signal a deeper understanding of the role community banks play.