Financial institutions have come to expect change. After all, it’s a way of life in the financial services world. It’s no surprise, then, that they once again face mandatory changes, this time driven by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
In a move to modernize its branding, and recognizing the trend of the consumer’s continued preference for online and mobile banking, the primary objective of this change is to help consumers quickly and easily recognize FDIC-insured institutions in the growing digital space. The new rule mandates that all IDIs (Insured Depository Institutions) display the updated digital sign on their websites, mobile applications, and in certain instances, their ATMs. The new design is intended to be more easily used on a wide range of digital formats than the previous design, ensuring clarity and visibility by taking into account a wide range of screen sizes and resolutions.
Delayed for public comment
The FDIC had originally set the compliance date for the new requirements under 12 CFR 328.4 and 328.5 at May 1, 2025, but has just recently pushed the date back to March 1, 2026. And while March may seem a long way off, community bankers should begin considering what the implementation process at their bank will look like, along with the needed resource commitment. The implementation delay, according to the FDIC, is designed to allow the agency “to propose changes to the regulation for public comment and to address implementation concerns and potential sources of confusion.”
Compliance requirements
Key compliance requirements include:
- Website updates: Institutions must replace the old FDIC logo with the new digital version on all web pages where the FDIC sign is displayed.
- Mobile applications: All mobile banking applications must incorporate the new digital logo in a prominent location, ensuring visibility to users upon login or on the main dashboard.
- ATMs: ATMs, if the ATM allows for deposit-taking activities.
- Digital advertisements: When promoting FDIC-insured products or services via digital marketing materials or advertisements, the inclusion of the "Member FDIC" statement is necessary to comply with advertising requirements. While the digital sign is not mandatory for social media messaging, banks must still comply with the FDIC's advertising statement requirements. This typically involves including phrases like "Member FDIC" in advertisements that promote deposit products.
- Employee training: Staff should be educated about the new signage requirements to ensure consistent communication with customers.
The FDIC also makes clear that failure to comply with these requirements within the stipulated time frame may result in regulatory scrutiny or penalties.
Impact on community banks
Community banks, which often operate with limited resources, may face challenges in implementing the new digital signage. Updating websites, mobile applications, and marketing materials can be both resource-intensive and time consuming. The FDIC recognizes this and is offering banks a variety of resources designed to help ease the transition.
Help is available
To assist community banks in complying with the new digital signage rule, the FDIC is providing:
- Digital logo files: The FDIC provides downloadable versions of the new digital logo in various formats suitable for websites and mobile applications.
- Implementation guidelines: Detailed guidelines outlining the correct usage of the new logo, including placement, sizing, and color schemes, are available to ensure consistency across institutions.
- Webinars and training sessions: The FDIC offers webinars and training sessions to educate bank staff about the new requirements and best practices for implementation.
- Technical support: A dedicated support team is available to assist institutions with technical questions related to integrating the new logo into digital platforms.
- FAQs and documentation: A comprehensive FAQ section addresses common concerns and provides clarity on specific aspects of the new rule.
For additional information, members of the banking team can visit “Questions and Answers Related to the FDIC’s Part 328 Final Rule.” They can also request a copy of the FDIC official digital signage, via email at ocomgraphics@fdic.gov. Community bank marketers should take advantage of these resources to facilitate a smooth transition, especially considering that the FDIC may make updates to the rule mandates as the March 2026 implementation date approaches.
We make it easy
The FDIC's introduction of a new digital logo marks a significant step in modernizing the way consumers identify, and put their trust in, insured institutions. While the transition may pose challenges, especially for smaller community banks, the FDIC's provision of resources and support aims to streamline the process. By embracing the new digital signage, community banks can reinforce the importance of FDIC protection, along with the integrity and trustworthiness of their institution.
With Bank Marketing Center’s intuitive ad creation tools, along with the FDIC logo already placed for convenience and compliance, clients need never worry about penalties or fines imposed for a failure to comply. In fact, within just days of signing up, clients have access to both print and digital ads – including social media, brochures, mailers, web banners, and more – with the ability to export ads, guaranteed compliant with Part 328, in the size needed. An additional benefit is Bank Marketing Center’s automated approval routing system. The approval path is easily customized to a bank’s content review stakeholders, further ensuring that all distributed content is both brand and regulatory agency compliant.
Bank Marketing Center
We’re Bank Marketing Center, the leading, subscription-based provider of automated marketing services to community banks. Our goal is to help bank marketers with topical, compelling communication with customers that builds trust, relationships, and revenue. And we do this through automating critical bank marketing functions, such as content creation, social media management and digital asset management, as well as regulatory and brand compliance.
We also want to share what we know – and learn along the way – with all our community banking friends. Whether it’s the latest on AI technology, suggestions on how to attract and retain top talent, or the importance of data protection, we’re here to make bank marketing the best that it can be.
Want to learn more about what we can do for your community bank and your marketing efforts? You can start by visiting bankmarketingcenter.com. Then, feel free to contact me directly by phone at 678-528-6688 or via email at nreynolds@bankmarketingcenter.com. As always, I welcome your thoughts.