Jim Roche

If a loophole in federal legislation is not closed, the availability of small business loans, home mortgage loans and other forms of credit will be dramatically reduced, the head of the Maine Bankers Association writes in a guest commentary.

Aaron Stetter, an executive vice president for affiliate and volunteer relations with the Independent Community Bankers of America, will succeed Jim Roche as president of the Maine Bankers Association.

“In our increasingly digital world, face-to-face relationships where bankers are familiar with their customers are becoming increasingly important in the fight against fraud," said Jim Roche, president of the Maine Bankers Association.

Jim Roche joined the organization as president in August 2021 after leading the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire for 17 years. He succeeded Chris Pinkham.

Jim Roche joined the organization in August 2021 after leading the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire for 17 years.

Maine's congressional delegation is urging the Treasury Department to pump the brakes on an action that would eliminate paper checks for Social Security benefits, vendor payments and tax refunds by Sept. 30.

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, scheduled to take effect in March, will prohibit credit reporting agencies from selling consumers' contact information when they apply for a mortgage.

New Hampshire has seen continued growth, and Maine bankers are seeing opportunities.

A number of Maine-based banks have been expanding into New Hampshire in recent years. The goal is to broaden markets and serve existing New Hampshire customers, while remaining close to the Maine base.

Jim Roche, president of the Maine Bankers Association, said he expects more banks to seek economies of scale through combinations.