New York Bankers Association

A new report from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) finds that the share of households deemed "unbanked," or those that do not use any checking or savings accounts, has fallen by about half since 2011 to 4.2%, or 5.6 million households. NYBA has long-supported no-fee Bank On accounts to enhance access to financial services in underserved communities. Recently, New York Bankers Association President & CEO Clare Cusack recounted for U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) NYBA's role in clearing regulatory obstacles at the State level to encourage more New York banks to offer impactful no-fee Bank On accounts. Learn more about Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and Bank On! #commitmenttocommunity #NYBA #BankOn

New York Bankers Association President & CEO Clare Cusack paid tribute to former NYBA Chair George Hamlin, former President & CEO of Canandaigua National Bank & Trust by distributing “I Love My Bank” buttons to Forum attendees that were inspired by the button George wore every day and shared with his customers. The sentiment reflects George’s deeply held philosophy that banks exist to serve people and communities first. #commitmenttocommunity #NYBA

The second and final day of the New York Bankers Association Annual Financial Services Forum featured many inspirational moments and some positive news about the U.S. economy. NYBA President & CEO Clare Cusack spoke about the industry's #commitmenttocommunity, highlighting the important work of New York banks in the areas they serve. Nasdaq's Chief Economist Phil Mackintosh discussed in detail the strong U.S. economy. Mark Lavarnway, President & CEO of Watertown Savings Bank - Watertown, NY, opened the session. Closing keynote speaker Rudy Ruettiger recounted his legendary moments on the gridiron for the University of Notre Dame, telling the audience to "Dream Big!! Thanks to all who joined us for the Forum this year!

Here is a look back at the first day of our Financial Services Forum! We explored topics from AI to fintech partnerships, and what C-Suite bankers think the year ahead holds in store. NYBA Chair Martin Birmingham, President & CEO of Five Star Bank opened the Forum on Tuesday. Our traditional C-Suite panel stopped for a photo with NYBA President & CEO Clare Cusack: Moderator Mika Moser, Jeff Levy of Community Bank, N.A., Elizabeth Magennis, President of ConnectOne Bank, and Ruth Mahoney, President of Wealth Management at NBT Bank. Ira Robbins, CEO of Valley Bank, moderated a panel on innovative ways for banks to partner with fintechs featuring Omer Nagar, Co-Founder of The Garage, Eyal Redler, Co-Founder of The Garage, and Ilan Flax, COO of Insait IO. Juliette Powell discussed the responsible use of AI. Bankers finished the day by packing meal kits for youth at risk of homeless for Barnabas Center. #committmenttocommunity #NYBA

NYBA congratulates our President & CEO Clare Cusack on being honored earlier this week with the Chief Executive of the Year Award by the New York Society of Association Executives - NYSAE. In her acceptance speech, Clare said: "I am here to reiterate that trade associations hold a unique and vital place in our society. In a time when division can feel overwhelming, associations foster a sense of belonging and unity. We create space for collaboration, for different voices to come together, and for members to feel connected to something larger than themselves. That sense of belonging is crucial—not just for industries, but for the fabric of our communities." Presenting the award is Eric L. Schmidt, President & CEO of Glue Up . #leadership #NYBA #nysae

Another incredible moment in a week full of them: Here’s a behind the scenes moment with Rep. Ritchie Torres and American Bankers Association President & CEO Rob Nichols just before we took the stage at the ABA Annual Convention yesterday. With over 1000 bankers in attendance from across the country, Rep. Torres and I talked about our mutual goal to build a more inclusive and equitable financial system for all. How? With tools like the successful Bank On program, providing low cost accounts to the underbanked- resulting in opening the door to generational wealth building. He said it best: “The road to the American dream runs through the banking system, and I want my constituents to have access to the American dream.” I couldn’t agree more, Congressman. Thanks for a terrific conversation! Watch the full interview here: https://bit.ly/40s9xWE Want to learn more about Bank On? Check it out here: https://joinbankon.org/

NYBA President & CEO Clare Cusack interviewed U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) on the mainstage at the American Bankers Association Annual Convention, where he said "the road to the American dream runs through the banking system, and I want my constituents to have access to the American dream.” Their discussion ranged from current regulatory challenges to the Congressman's championing of NYBA- and ABA-supported BankOn accounts to promote financial inclusion. #NYBA #ABA #BankOn

It is exciting to have so many of the nation's bankers come together here in New York City for the American Bankers Association's Annual Convention. This morning, ABA President & CEO Rob Nichols rang the Nasdaq Opening Bell. Among those joining Rob at the podium were Cheryl Bowers, President & CEO of Rondout Savings Bank (and NYBA Board Member) and NYBA's President & CEO Clare Cusack. Clare welcomed the 1000+ crowd to New York City to open the Convention, and later visited Nasdaq Marketsite in Times Square for an interview about banking's current challenges, innovations, commitment to community, and focus on inclusion. #ABA #NYBA #commitmenttocommunity

To celebrate the American Bankers Association (ABA) Annual Convention in New York City, and American Banker's Most Powerful Women in Banking awards, NYBA hosted a brunch in our headquarters for state association executives and members of the ABA team. NYBA President & CEO Clare Cusack welcomed ABA President & CEO Rob Nichols to our offices. Rob and the ABA team are getting ready to kick off a major event in New York City. Watch Rob, joined by Clare and others, ring the opening bell of Nasdaq on Monday morning at 9:30 AM!

George Hamlin was a legend and one-of-a-kind. For nearly a third of the history of the New York Bankers Association, he brought a special brand of leadership to the industry -- teaching us that banking is rooted in compassion and love of community. Today, we honor George Hamlin by recommitting ourselves to the finest traditions of banking in the spirit of love for those we serve. #commitmenttocommunity