Agenda

April 2, 2026
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm EST

Let’s walk through the baseline framework that is not changing, understand what is, and discuss steps to mature your community bank Fair Lending Program. Limited Spots available! Join us for this special 2 ½ hour class and workshop for community bankers to explore the current and changing requirements and the environment for Fair Lending standards.

We will discuss the basic requirements that all community banks must demonstrate, beginning with the Fair Lending risk assessment process. We will also review policy, training, application and underwriting processes. We will share common errors, audit exceptions and exam findings to highlight potential gaps. Finally, we will break into groups to explore the operationalizing of compliance and best practices at your institution, including risk-rating loan exceptions for Fair Lending. We will share in a “cameras on”, “microphones on” mode during the workshop.

Topics

What You'll Learn

• Regulation B and Fair Housing Act
• Types of Lending Discrimination
• Basic Elements of a Community Bank Fair Lending Program
• Relationship of Fair Lending to Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)
• An understanding of Reasonably Expected Market Area (REMA) and red-lining
• Risk Rating loan exceptions
• Common errors and audit findings in Fair Lending Audits
• Internal controls to support the Fair Lending Program
• Impact of the ever-changing small business application requirements (can you say 1071?)
• A workbook complete with ideas/tips/tools from other bankers to try in your bank

Speaker(s)

Lauren Sparks
Risk Management Consultant

With a career spanning 40+-years as a community banker and banking regulatory risk management consultant, Lauren Sparks is an accomplished advocate for community banks and women’s financial services leadership. In her career Ms. Sparks held positions in community banks that ranged from teller to Investment Officer, Loan Officer, and Cashier. She founded a women-owned, women-led denovo community bank and served as CEO and Chairman of the Board. In risk management consulting, Ms. Sparks moved to bank consulting firms at a local level, and then to a national level where as a Director she specialized in troubled banks and fintech. In 2009, Ms. Sparks formed 3PR, Inc., a woman-owned consulting firm specializing in community banks and financial service firms where she serves as CEO. 3PR serves more than 50 community banks at any given time and has been a preferred vendor for one of the world’s largest software providers.

She has edited the Reference Guide for Regulatory Compliance Manual (RGRC) for the American Bankers’ Association (ABA). Ms. Sparks is a founder of the Houston chapter of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Association (ACAMS) and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM), and has been an Accredited ACH Processional (AAP).

Fees

Live Webinar - $450.00

• Live Access
• 30 Days OnDemand Playback
• Presenter Materials and Handouts

Available Upgrades

• 12 Months OnDemand Playback - $120.00 Per Person
• 12 Months OnDemand Playback + Digital Download - $150.00 Per Person
• Additional Live Access - $450.00 Per Person

**100% surcharge applied to non-members.

Association Contact