Oklahoma Bankers Association We make bankers better!
In This Issue…
- From Adrian’s desk …
- Capitol capital: What’s happening in D.C./OKC?
- Justice Department begins inquiry in Fed Chair Powell
- Petition circulating to close stablecoin loophole
- OBA education corner …
From Adrian’s desk …
By Adrian Beverage
OBA President & CEO
Just some random tidbits that might be of interest to our bankers this week!
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Another quick piece from me today as I’m out on the road visiting banks today! I’m going to be in the south-central part of the state, so if you see a black Chevy Tahoe roll into your bank’s parking lot, keep an eye out for 6-foot-something redhead coming in to chat!
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The first story is this week’s Update is another edition of the new “Capitol capital” story format we’re trying. As the name implies, we want to bring some currency in the form of information from both the federal and state capitols to our bankers.
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I thought the undefeated run of my ‘Huskers basketball team was done as they trailed by 16 points in the second half to Indiana on Saturday. Next thing I knew, however, there we were winning comfortably at the final buzzer.
Capitol capital: What’s happening in D.C./OKC?
Late Friday night, President Trump posted the following on social media:
“Please be informed that we will no longer let the American Public be ‘ripped off’ by Credit Card Companies that are charging Interest Rates of 20 to 30%, and even more, which festered unimpeded during the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration. AFFORDABILITY! Effective January 20, 2026, I, as President of the United States, am calling for a one year cap on Credit Card Interest Rates of 10%. Coincidentally, the January 20th date will coincide with the one year anniversary of the historic and very successful Trump Administration. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”
We fully anticipate we will see this in an executive order soon.
Several national trades groups released a joint statement detailing how rate caps have historically harmed the very people they are intended to help by sharply reducing access to credit. You can see the full statement here.
Also, last year, the Bank Policy Institute posted an article detailing the concerns and potential consequences if there was a rate cap in place.
We have numerous banks in Oklahoma that are credit card providers, so this issue needs to be on your radar. We will be staying in touch with our federal delegation regarding this issue, and any comments you may have in regards to the “cap” please share those with Adrian.
Justice Department begins inquiry into Fed Chair Powell
The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, focusing on the renovation of the Fed’s headquarters, which is over budget.
There are no charges yet, although Powell has said grand jury subpoenas have been served to Federal Reserve employees. President Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell’s leadership over the past few months, particularly on the issue of lowering interest rates.
Powell responded to the inquiry in a statement on Sunday, saying the threat “… is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public …”. Trump, meanwhile, says he has no involvement in the issuing of any subpoenas.
Petition circulating to close stablecoin loophole
A petition has been created by the ABA’s Community Bank Council to convince senators to close the stablecoin “payment of interest” loophole.
Action is expected in the Senate this week on the issue. All bankers are welcome to sign on to the petition.
OBA education corner …
Sometimes we like to relive the 1990s here at the OBA, and last week it meant listening to Alanis Morissette! Of course, nearly everyone alive during the mid-90s is aware of all the hits on the Jagged Little Pill album, but some of her songs from her lesser-known albums are worthy of a listen. “Uninvited” was a legit hit, while “Unsent” is sure to hit home with those of us who came of age in the 90s. So, wash your “Hands Clean” and also make sure you take a little time to keep up with what’s happening on the continuing education front, including the following:
- Instant Payments Compliance: OFAC, Reg. E & Beyond, Jan. 20, webinar — FedNow and RTP bring speed, but also heightened compliance risk. This webinar dives into Regulation E, OFAC screening, and network-specific rules to help you protect your institution while serving customers in real time.
- Community Investment Act Regulations’ Current Requirements: Succeeding Today While Planning for the Future, Jan. 22, webinar — Detailed discussion of CRA status: where we are today as well as looking to the future. Compliance with existing regulations: requirements and suggestions for success.
- Handling Legal Documents – POAs, Trusts, Estates and Guardianships, Jan. 22, webinar — During this program we will look at the high risk involved in fiduciary accounts and the legal documents that come with them. From guardianships to power of attorneys, we will look at the key players, who can do what and whether you can refuse the account.
- HMDA Checkup, Jan. 27, webinar — This session will be a detailed discussion on all things HMDA, from thresholds and reporting definitions, to data points and typical violations and issues for lenders.
- Canva for Trainers: An Impactful Designs Workshop, Jan. 27, webinar — If you’ve been curious to explore Canva’s time-saving features and boost the impact of your visual designs, this session is for you!
- 2026 Compliance Updates: Operations: Jan. 22-Tulsa; Jan. 27-Oklahoma City Lending: Jan. 22-Tulsa; Jan. 27-Oklahoma City — This annual update provides a look back at hot topics and will offer guidance on upcoming trends and regulatory concerns.
- Audit Report Writing, Jan. 28, webinar — Review understandable, pertinent examples from various auditing disciplines to learn how to remedy the greatest roadblocks to clear thinking through writing and how to cultivate a convincing, authoritative style.
- 2026 Key Ratio Analysis: Calculating and Interpreting the Numbers Correctly!, Jan. 29, Oklahoma City — Attend this proactive seminar and learn a “five-step” analysis plan to calculate the key ratios covering liquidity, activity, leverage, operating performance and cash-flow analysis, and correctly interpret the financial condition of the business client.
- 2026 Women In Banking Luncheons, Feb. 13-Tulsa; Feb. 19-Oklahoma City — Learn more about AI in banking finance and all the opportunities, risks and regulation queries that come with it!
- 2026 OBA Commercial Lending School, March 1-6, Oklahoma City — This school is an intensive, one-week functional school designed for bankers with a basic understanding of credit and financial analysis. The school will demonstrate how to apply this knowledge in profitable commercial lending situations.
Also, an OBA program to be aware of is the OBA Intern Program.
The Intern Program will be active in 2026 and we’re looking for participating banks! For more information on this IMPORTANT program – important not only to aspiring students, but also to participating banks – Contact the OBA education department at (405) 424-5252 or click here for more information!