Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Summer Waiver and Increased Urgency for Year-Round E15
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, March 26 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release:
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Summer Waiver and Increased Urgency for Year-Round E15
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall called for EPA's summer waiver to allow sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol, or E15, to be made permanent amidst growing urgency and calls for the passage of legislation.
"Farm Bureau thanks Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA for granting a waiver to allow E15 to be sold during the summer, but the time is now for Congress to make the availability of E15 permanent.
"Biofuels
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, March 26 -- The American Farm Bureau Federation issued the following news release:
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Summer Waiver and Increased Urgency for Year-Round E15
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall called for EPA's summer waiver to allow sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol, or E15, to be made permanent amidst growing urgency and calls for the passage of legislation.
"Farm Bureau thanks Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA for granting a waiver to allow E15 to be sold during the summer, but the time is now for Congress to make the availability of E15 permanent.
"Biofuelsplay an important role in meeting America's energy needs and are a win-win for farmers and drivers. E15 gasoline saves consumers 10 to 30 cents per gallon at the pump and creates markets for American-grown crops. Permanent sales of E15 blends would increase demand for corn by roughly 2.4 billion bushels a year.
"We also appreciate Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar's call for quick action to enable year-round E15 sales. She joins a growing number of senators on both sides of the aisle, including Chairman John Boozman, who recognize the importance of passing legislation on year-round E15. This is a bipartisan opportunity for Congress to work together to benefit America's families and rural communities."
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Original text here: https://www.fb.org/news-release/summer-waiver-and-increased-urgency-for-year-round-e15
[Category: Agriculture]
OBL Testifies in Support of HB 560 - Protect Our Parents Act
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 26 -- The Ohio Bankers League issued the following news on March 25, 2026:
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OBL Testifies in Support of HB 560 - Protect Our Parents Act
Last week, the Ohio Bankers League (OBL) provided proponent testimony before the Ohio House Financial Institutions Committee in support of House Bill 560, the Protect Our Parents Act. The legislation is intended to provide financial institutions with additional tools to help prevent financial fraud and exploitation while maintaining appropriate safeguards to ensure customers retain timely access to their funds.
OBL's testimony can
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 26 -- The Ohio Bankers League issued the following news on March 25, 2026:
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OBL Testifies in Support of HB 560 - Protect Our Parents Act
Last week, the Ohio Bankers League (OBL) provided proponent testimony before the Ohio House Financial Institutions Committee in support of House Bill 560, the Protect Our Parents Act. The legislation is intended to provide financial institutions with additional tools to help prevent financial fraud and exploitation while maintaining appropriate safeguards to ensure customers retain timely access to their funds.
OBL's testimony canbe viewed HERE beginning at the 17:40 mark.
Why the Bill Matters
Financial fraud and exploitation continue to increase in both frequency and sophistication. Banks are often the first to observe warning signs such as unusual withdrawal patterns, urgent wire transfer requests, or sudden changes in account activity that may indicate a scam or coercion.
Under current Ohio law, institutions may identify these red flags but lack clear statutory authority to briefly pause certain transactions while concerns are reviewed. Once funds leave an account -- particularly through wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment platforms, or cryptocurrency channels -- recovery can be extremely difficult.
HB 560 seeks to address this gap by establishing a framework allowing financial institutions to intervene when there is reasonable cause to suspect financial exploitation.
Key Provisions of HB 560
As introduced, the bill would:
* Provide permissive authority for financial institutions to place temporary holds -- generally up to 15 business days -- on transactions or disbursements suspected to involve financial exploitation.
* Require prompt reporting of a transactional hold and relevant facts to the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions and the appropriate county department of Job and Family Services (Adult Protective Services).
* Allow notification of authorized account parties or a trusted contact, except where the institution reasonably believes that individual may be involved in the suspected exploitation.
* Require institutions to maintain internal procedures and training related to identifying and escalating suspected financial exploitation.
* Provide civil and administrative immunity for institutions and employees acting in good faith in placing a hold, making a report, or attempting to comply with the statute.
These provisions are intended to provide clarity and flexibility while recognizing the operational realities financial institutions face in responding to suspected fraud.
Balancing Fraud Prevention and Access to Funds
In testimony, OBL emphasized the dual responsibility banks must manage. Financial institutions are expected -- and required -- to take meaningful steps to detect and prevent fraud, money laundering, and financial exploitation. At the same time, federal and state laws require prompt availability of deposited funds and prohibit unnecessary delays in legitimate transactions.
HB 560 is designed to help institutions navigate this balance by providing narrowly tailored authority and safe-harbor protections to pause suspicious transactions while coordinating with regulators or law enforcement.
Fraud Trends and Customer Expectations
Fraudsters are increasingly leveraging sophisticated tactics, including impersonation schemes, social engineering, and emerging technologies. As a result, fraud attempts are often time-sensitive and require rapid response.
Customers also expect their financial institutions to play an active role in protecting them. At the same time, maintaining reliable access to funds remains critical to preserving trust in the banking system.
Next Steps
OBL will continue working with the bill sponsors and stakeholders as HB 560 moves through the legislative process. We are actively seeking feedback from member institutions regarding operational considerations, compliance impacts, and potential amendments as the legislation evolves.
Members with questions or feedback are encouraged to contact OBL's government relations team.
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Original text here: https://www.ohiobankersleague.com/News-Information/Headlines/View/ArticleId/28743/OBL-Testifies-in-Support-of-HB-560-Protect-Our-Parents-Act
[Category: Financial Services]
American Securities Association, Citadel Securities File Lawsuit Challenging SEC's Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Order
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news:
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ASA, Citadel Securities File Lawsuit Challenging SEC's Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Order
TAMPA - The American Securities Association (ASA) and Citadel Securities LLC filed a petition for review in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals last evening, challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SECs) and self-regulatory organizations' (SROs) Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) funding order.
"Chairman Atkins inherited a wounded CAT from the Gensler SEC, and now the SROs who run it hope it has nine
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news:
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ASA, Citadel Securities File Lawsuit Challenging SEC's Consolidated Audit Trail Funding Order
TAMPA - The American Securities Association (ASA) and Citadel Securities LLC filed a petition for review in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals last evening, challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SECs) and self-regulatory organizations' (SROs) Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) funding order.
"Chairman Atkins inherited a wounded CAT from the Gensler SEC, and now the SROs who run it hope it has ninelives. The SROs want to revive the CAT by assigning an Orwellian customer ID to every American investor who buys or sells a share of stock, and then taxing them every time they trade," said ASA President and CEO Chris Iacovella. "We have no choice but to sue once again to stop the SROs from violating American investors' constitutional right to privacy and imposing a transaction tax on them."
Last year, the 11th Circuit unanimously struck down the CAT's funding model.
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The American Securities Association (ASA) represents the retail and institutional capital markets interests of regional financial services firms who provide Main Street businesses with access to capital and advise hardworking Americans how to create and preserve wealth. ASA's mission is to promote trust and confidence among investors, facilitate capital formation, and support efficient and competitively balanced capital markets. This mission advances financial independence, stimulates job creation, and increases prosperity. The ASA has a geographically diverse membership of almost one hundred members that spans the Heartland, Southwest, Southeast, Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-citadel-securities-file-lawsuit-challenging-sec-s-consolidated-audit-trail-funding-order
[Category: Financial Services]
American Securities Association Statement on Tokenization and Future of Securities House Hearing
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news:
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ASA Statement on Tokenization and Future of Securities House Hearing
The American Securities Association (ASA) today sent a letter to the House Financial Services Committee's leadership ahead of a hearing on tokenization and the future of securities. In its letter, ASA called on Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create a level regulatory playing field for all market participants that embraces digital assets while maintaining necessary investor protections.
"ASA applauds Chairman
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news:
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ASA Statement on Tokenization and Future of Securities House Hearing
The American Securities Association (ASA) today sent a letter to the House Financial Services Committee's leadership ahead of a hearing on tokenization and the future of securities. In its letter, ASA called on Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create a level regulatory playing field for all market participants that embraces digital assets while maintaining necessary investor protections.
"ASA applauds ChairmanHill and the Financial Services Committee for working to ensure that America remains the global leader in capital markets innovation," said ASA President and CEO Chris Iacovella. "We believe every market participant should operate under a consistent rule set, and that unregulated actors should not be permitted to engage in activities reserved for regulated entities. It's time for Congress to clarify those fundamental principles of competition."
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The American Securities Association (ASA) represents the retail and institutional capital markets interests of regional financial services firms who provide Main Street businesses with access to capital and advise hardworking Americans how to create and preserve wealth. ASA's mission is to promote trust and confidence among investors, facilitate capital formation, and support efficient and competitively balanced capital markets. This mission advances financial independence, stimulates job creation, and increases prosperity. The ASA has a geographically diverse membership of almost one hundred members that spans the Heartland, Southwest, Southeast, Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States.
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INFODOC: https://15c72067-2929-4106-8883-14b2d4025a5b.usrfiles.com/ugd/15c720_3310516a88064ee99e45307f58d29acf.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-statement-on-tokenization-and-future-of-securities-house-hearing
[Category: Financial Services]
American Academy of Neurology: Birth Control Pills, IUDs Not Associated With Brain Pressure Disorder
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
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Birth control pills, IUDs not associated with brain pressure disorder
Hormonal contraception, including birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs), is not associated with an increased prevalence of a brain pressure disorder called idiopathic intracranial hypertension, according to a meta-analysis published on March 25, 2026, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension occurs when there is increased
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 26 (TNSxrep) -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
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Birth control pills, IUDs not associated with brain pressure disorder
Hormonal contraception, including birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs), is not associated with an increased prevalence of a brain pressure disorder called idiopathic intracranial hypertension, according to a meta-analysis published on March 25, 2026, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension occurs when there is increasedpressure in the fluid surrounding the brain with no apparent cause. It may cause chronic, disabling headaches, vision problems, and in rare cases, permanent vision loss. Obesity is a risk factor for the condition. It primarily affects female individuals, with a majority being diagnosed during their reproductive years.
"Health advice for people living with idiopathic intracranial hypertension is inconsistent due to a concern that hormonal contraception, including birth control pills and IUDs, may be associated with a higher risk of the condition in certain individuals," said study author Arun N. E. Sundaram, MD, FRCPC, of the University of Toronto in Canada. "However, our meta-analysis found no association between hormonal contraception and idiopathic intracranial hypertension prevalence."
For the meta-analysis, researchers reviewed 13 studies that together included 5,351 female participants with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and 669,260 female participants without the condition. The average age was 33.
The studies covered the use of birth control pills, IUDs, contraceptive vaginal rings, contraceptive injections like medroxyprogesterone, birth control implants placed under the skin and contraceptive patches.
Researchers found no association between hormonal contraception and the prevalence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
"Our findings can provide reassurance that using hormonal contraception may not be linked to this condition," said Sundaram. "However, it is important to note that the evidence is limited and large, well-designed studies are needed, particularly in diverse patient groups, to confirm these results."
A limitation of the meta-analysis was the small number of studies that were determined to be appropriate to be included. Also, some studies had smaller numbers of participants, which may make it harder to detect subtle differences.
Discover more about brain health at Brain & Life, from the American Academy of Neurology. This resource offers a website, podcast, and books that connect patients, caregivers and anyone interested in brain health with the most trusted information, straight from the world's leading experts in brain health. Follow Brain & Life on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN's mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.
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Original text here: https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5329
[Category: Medical]
ASA's Monthly Sales Report: February Sales Show Resilient Growth Amid Slowing Economic Momentum and Rising Market Risks
ITASCA, Illinois, March 26 -- The American Supply Association issued the following news release:
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ASA's Monthly Sales Report: February Sales Show Resilient Growth Amid Slowing Economic Momentum and Rising Market Risks
By primary business emphasis the industrial PVF distributors said February sales 4.6% year-over-year (y/y). Year-to-date (YTD) sales +4.0% and trailing twelve months (TTM) sales +9.9%.
All respondents overall reported a Median February sales increased +10.0% year-over-year and +4.5% compared with January 2026. Calendar-year YTD sales +4.9%; TTM sales +7.4%. Inventory: +8.8%
... Show Full Article
ITASCA, Illinois, March 26 -- The American Supply Association issued the following news release:
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ASA's Monthly Sales Report: February Sales Show Resilient Growth Amid Slowing Economic Momentum and Rising Market Risks
By primary business emphasis the industrial PVF distributors said February sales 4.6% year-over-year (y/y). Year-to-date (YTD) sales +4.0% and trailing twelve months (TTM) sales +9.9%.
All respondents overall reported a Median February sales increased +10.0% year-over-year and +4.5% compared with January 2026. Calendar-year YTD sales +4.9%; TTM sales +7.4%. Inventory: +8.8%versus February 2025. Cash cycle: Median three-month average Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) edged back up to 41 days.
Please Note: due to small sample sizes within the $15-$24.9M category, we again rolled them into the Less than $15M to create a "Less than $25M" sales volume category.
Economic Indicators:
Recent economic data suggest the U.S. economy entered 2026 with less momentum than previously estimated. Real GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2025 was revised down from an initial 1.4% to approximately 0.7%. This downward revision reflected weaker-than-initially estimated exports, consumer spending, government spending, and investment, indicating that demand softened more broadly late in the year than first reported.
Housing activity continues to act as a headwind, with starts and permits remaining relatively flat and below prior cycle highs, reflecting ongoing affordability constraints and sensitivity to interest rates. While the 30-year mortgage rate briefly dipped below 6% in February, rates have since moved higher amid rising geopolitical tensions following the late-February outbreak of the war with Iran. The escalation has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel and increased concerns around persistent inflation, which in turn has pushed bond yields higher and reduced the likelihood of near-term monetary easing.
Taken together, these factors point to a more cautious economic backdrop entering 2026; however, underlying demand remains positive. For ASA distributors, this environment suggests continued growth at a slower and more selective pace, with increased risks of project delays, tighter customer spending, and ongoing pressure on margins as costs and interest rates remain elevated.
What ASA members are saying:
"Business is good."
"February was on track for above budgeted growth until the snow storm at the end of the month occurred"
"Fewer workdays and weather closures hindered business in the last two months."
"Our sales are trending up due to absorbing more market share from our competitors. Our inventory is growing in anticipation of the increase in sales. Our inventory should level off while sales start to catch up."
"Sales activity was inconsistent across locations, but up overall compared to the same month last year and YTD. Competitive pricing pressures continue to put stress on margins or result in lost opportunities as several competitors continue to price well below our cost."
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Original text here: https://www.asa.net/News/ASA-News/asas-monthly-sales-report-february-sales-show-resilient-growth-amid-slowing-economic-momentum-and-rising-market-risks
[Category: Industrial Materials]
ABI Applauds Renewed Congressional Efforts to Expand Access to More Distressed Small Businesses to Reorganize Under Subchapter V
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, March 26 (TNSrpt) -- The American Bankruptcy Institute issued the following news release:
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ABI Applauds Renewed Congressional Efforts to Expand Access to More Distressed Small Businesses to Reorganize Under Subchapter V
The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) and ABI's Subchapter V Task Force announced its support for bipartisan legislation that would restore and permanently increase the debt eligibility cap for subchapter V small business reorganizations to $7.5 million. The "Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026" was recently introduced by Senate Pro Tempore
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, March 26 (TNSrpt) -- The American Bankruptcy Institute issued the following news release:
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ABI Applauds Renewed Congressional Efforts to Expand Access to More Distressed Small Businesses to Reorganize Under Subchapter V
The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) and ABI's Subchapter V Task Force announced its support for bipartisan legislation that would restore and permanently increase the debt eligibility cap for subchapter V small business reorganizations to $7.5 million. The "Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026" was recently introduced by Senate Pro Temporeand Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.) in the House of Representatives. In a letter to the sponsors, co-sponsors and members of both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, ABI and its Subchapter V Task Force emphasized that expanding access to subchapter V is critical to preserving an effective and efficient restructuring pathway for financially distressed small businesses.
Click here to read the letter.
Enacted as part of the "Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019," Subchapter V went into effect in February 2020 with a debt limit of $2,725,625. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act of 2020 and subsequent extensions increased the subchapter V debt eligibility limit to $7.5 million. This enhanced eligibility limit sunset in June 2024, however, and reverted to $3.02 million for small businesses looking to access subchapter V. The current adjusted debt limit is $3,424,000, which ABI's Subchapter V Task Force estimates leaves many distressed small businesses without a viable restructuring option.
"Although it is difficult, if not impossible, to quantify the number of troubled small businesses that did not file and simply failed because of their ineligibility to file Subchapter V during the lapse of the higher threshold, ABI estimates that between June 22, 2024, and March 15, 2026, 1,475 would-be Subchapter V debtors were not eligible to file due to the lower debt ceiling," ABI Executive Director Amy Quackenboss writes in the letter.
ABI and its Subchapter V Task Force appreciate the efforts of Congress to permanently restore the subchapter V eligibility limit to $7.5 million, and reiterated their willingness to assist policymakers by providing additional data, analysis and real-world case insights as Congress considers this important legislation.
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ABI is the largest multi-disciplinary, nonpartisan organization dedicated to research and education on matters related to insolvency. ABI was founded in 1982 to provide Congress and the public with unbiased analysis of bankruptcy issues. The ABI membership includes nearly 10,000 attorneys, accountants, bankers, judges, professors, lenders, turnaround specialists and other bankruptcy professionals, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information. For additional information on ABI, visit www.abiworld.org. For additional conference information, visit http://www.abi.org/calendar-of-
events.
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REPORT: https://abi-org.s3.amazonaws.com/SubV/SBRA_Final_Report.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.abi.org/node/1002565
[Category: Financial Services]
