Press Releases
Statement on the Federal Proposal to Mandate Credit Card Routing Proposed by U.S. Senators Durbin and Marshall
Sacramento, Calif., July 29, 2022: “The California Bankers Association (CBA) strongly opposes federal legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) that would create a credit card routing mandate. This legislation would upend the current and thriving U.S. payments landscape by requiring every credit card to be reissued to include multiple networks on all credit cards.
Instead of increasing competition, consumers would lose the choices they currently have to merchants. This means they could be at risk with less secure and unreliable networks and lose the protections and benefits they currently rely on.
In addition, there is a significant cost to rewiring the credit card transactions process, not to mention reissuing more than 350 million credit cards currently in use. Financial institutions will need to make operational and network changes which will impact the calculations that financial institutions use to determine credit worthiness. A disruption in short-term lending credit can have a negative impact on consumers as they recover from the pandemic and navigate the economic uncertainties.”
Western Bankers Partners with BankerCollege to Provide High-Quality and Relevant Education and Training
The Western Bankers are excited to announce that we have partnered with BankerCollege to provide high-quality education, training, and certification content. This new partnership will more than double WB’s on-demand and live webinar offerings. As a member of the Western Bankers, you will have access to discounted rates for all of the BankerCollege offerings, including webinars, boot camps, and certifications on topics covering regulations, compliance, cannabis, accounting, lending, payments, strategy, retail and commercial banking, and operations, just to name a few.
WB Web Pass holders and their employees will have unlimited access, for the calendar year, to BankerCollege’s 400+ webinars, and significantly discounted pricing for workshops, certifications, and much more.
California Banks & COVID Relief Efforts
Since the beginning of this pandemic, California’s banks have been outreaching and working proactively with customers to minimize the adverse financial effects of this crisis. Beyond the proactive efforts by individual banks and the work they have been doing to implement and deploy relief made available through state and federal programs, we continue to encourage customers experiencing hardships to reach out early and immediately to their financial institution given their unique personal financial situation.
California Banks Remind Small Businesses that Funds are Still Available under the Paycheck Protection Program
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Bankers Association released the following statement regarding the distribution and availability of funds available through the second round of the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):
Calif. Banks Met With Frustration as PPP 2.0 Launches
The Western Bankers, issued the following statement regarding today’s re-opening of the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program:
“California banks worked throughout the weekend to prepare for the re-opening of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) platform where Paycheck Protection Program loan applications must be submitted. Banks were hoping that the glitches that challenged the system during the first round of funding would be resolved.
Californians Without a Bank Account Encouraged to Explore Options in Advance of Stimulus Check Disbursement
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Eligible Californians are expected to soon be receiving federal stimulus benefits, as part of the coronavirus economic relief package passed recently by Congress. Known as economic impact payments, it is estimated that this relief will bring $25 to $30 billion in funds to Californians who are struggling during these challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
California Banks Important Participants in Paycheck Protection Program
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On Friday, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) launched, making available $350 billion in loans to help small businesses who are in need of economic relief during these challenging times.
California Banks Still Awaiting Guidance as Paycheck Protection Program Set to Launch
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Since the beginning of this national pandemic, California’s banks have been outreaching and working proactively with customers to minimize the adverse financial effects of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus.
California Banks Respond to Governor Newsom’s Announcement
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association released the following statement today following Governor Newsom’s press conference.
“Since the beginning of this national pandemic, California’s banks have been outreaching and working proactively and constructively with customers to minimize the adverse financial effects of this crisis.
California Banks Encourage Outreach, Assisting Customers and Communities
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association released the following statement today regarding California’s banks ongoing assistance and outreach efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.
The California Bankers Association Encourages Homeowners to Reach Out Regarding Mortgage Hardships
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Bankers Association (CBA) released the following statement regarding homeowners who might experience difficulty making mortgage payments in light of the COVID-19 national emergency:
The Western Bankers Announces Industry Response to Coronavirus
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Western Bankers (WB) released the following statement regarding the banking industry’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19):
“Banks are actively monitoring the latest reports from the Center for Disease Control and taking numerous precautions to help ensure the safety of their customers and employees. Banks have well-developed business continuity plans and are prepared and ready to help their customers in this time of need.
WB Works With San Diego District Attorney’s Office to Draw Attention to Elder Financial Abuse
DA Works with Banks, Credit Unions to Remind Employees They Are Mandated Reporters of Financial Elder Abuse
New Outreach Campaign Includes Postcards, Brochures and Video
The Western Bankers Announces Incident Response Program to Bolster Cybersecurity for Member Banks
SACRAMENTO, CA, – The Western Bankers (WB) today announced the availability of a new member benefit, the Incident Response Program (IRP) designed to help member banks prepare for and mitigate against cyber incidents.