Florida Banking April/May 2025

FBA MEMBERS HEAD TO D.C. FOR IMPACTFUL 69TH ANNUAL ADVOCACY TRIP

I n February, more than 80 FBA member bankers, partners and staff traveled to Washington, D.C. to engage directly with key policymakers and spotlight pressing issues affecting the banking industry. Front and center: reversing the massive regulatory burden limiting bankers’ ability to serve their customers and communities with the products and services that best meet their needs. Power-Packed Day 1 at ABA Headquarters Monday’s agenda at ABA headquarters set the stage for a high-impact week, featuring: • Executive Leadership Meetings — The FBA Executive Board and Board of Directors convened to align on strategy. • Communications Briefing — Peter Cook, ABA’s Chief Communications Officer, shared insights on navigating today’s political climate and addressing related customer questions. • Legislative Rundown — ICBA’s Paul Merski and ABA’s Kirsten Sutton and Jess Sharp broke down key legislative priorities and dynamics on the Hill. • Regulatory Strategy Discussion — ABA’s Ginny O’Neill and Hugh Carney, with ICBA’s Lance Noggle and Michael Emancipator, outlined what’s happening at the agencies and tackled top deregulatory priorities. • Litigation Insights — ICBA’s Jenna Burke and ABA’s Andrew Doersam provided an update on ongoing litigation and strategic legal efforts. Day 2: A Day on Capitol Hill Attendees took their advocacy straight to the U.S. Capitol, meeting with members of Congress and connecting with the Florida Delegation during a reception at the Florida House. Discussions covered

critical industry concerns with: • Chairman French Hill (AR-2) • Chairman Brian Mast (FL-21) • Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26)

• Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06) • Rep. Aaron Bean (FL-4)

• Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16) • Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19) • Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-6) • Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL-8) • Tom Moran, Chief of Staff for Rep. Maria Salazar (FL-27) • Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) • Rep. Greg Steube (FL-17) • Sen. Ashley Moody (FL) • Sen. Rick Scott (FL) • U.S. Senate Banking Committee staff Day 3: Policy Deep Dives and Fraud Prevention Insights Back at ABA headquarters, attendees gained firsthand regulatory perspectives from top industry officials, including: • The Honorable Travis Hill, Acting FDIC Chairman • The Honorable Rodney Hood, Acting Comptroller, OCC • Drew Kohan & Susan Torzilli, Federal Reserve Board experts from Consumer and Community Affairs Rounding out the program, Paul Benda, ABA EVP Risk Fraud, and Cybersecurity delivered an essential session on Countering Fraud – Tools and Strategy. This year’s D.C. trip was a powerful opportunity for FBA members to raise their voices, advocate for policy change, and ensure the industry remains strong and effective for the communities it serves. See you next year!

18 — FLORIDA BANKING THE VOICE OF FLORIDA BANKING