“We must work with Congress to find opportunities where we can all work together for the common good of banks across the nation.”


the board took, which gave me the opportunity to prepare for this new role as vice chair.”


As the ABA prepares to work with a new Congress and President Joe Biden’s administration, Robb said the association’s priorities have not changed. It’s “business as usual” as ABA continues seeking bipartisanship support for commonsense policies that allow banks of all sizes to better serve their customers and communities.


Tis includes the nation’s response in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effect. Last spring, banks worked nonstop to assist their business customers with the Paycheck Protection Program. Tis continues in the New Year as the second round of PPP provides much


needed financial assistance for businesses still hurting from the pandemic.


“Economic factors are our biggest priority and what we can do to help recovery and COVID response,” Robb said. “Banks have a significant role in helping to address the many issues affecting our economy.”


Robb notes that “with change in leadership in D.C.,” he sees “possible opportunities with more AML/BSA reform and cannabis banking.”


“Some of those things might be looked at differently, and some might actually be able to be worked on a little bit better,” he said. “We must work with Congress to find opportunities where we can all work together for the common good of banks across the nation.”


Potential regulatory changes and how these would affect banks also remain a concern. One such particular concern is federal agencies granting national banking charters to fintech firms.


“Banks and fintechs all need to be on a level playing field,” Robb said. “We all need to get along and to collaborate. But, fintechs should not be exempt from the same rules and regulations that banks are required to follow.”


Tis situation with fintechs reminds Robb of one that banks continue to see with credit unions.


“We’re not saying that you can’t come to the playground and play; we all just have to follow the same rules,” he added.


Tis notion of fairness is one Robb has followed throughout his roles representing the banking community at both the state and national levels. For eight years, Robb was a member of the MBA Board


of Directors, serving as chairman in 2015.


“As MBA chairman, I enjoyed my correspondence and conversations with bankers across Missouri who were from different parts of the state and different size banks,” he said. “It gave me opportunities to voice the opinions of Missouri bankers to our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. Now, with the ABA, I have the honor to represent our nation’s banks.”


In getting to know bankers from across the country, he is enjoying the relationships he’s building with these bankers.


“I am honored when someone voices their opinion to me or asks a question,” Robb said. “I never thought that I would potentially go through the chairs of the American Bankers Association, let alone be the chairman of the Missouri Bankers Association. Both have been such an honor and privilege.”


16 mobankers.com


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