Community Banking Advisor

Showing 49–64 of 255 results

  • Bank Wire – FFIEC updates BSA/AML examination manual

    Fall 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 423

    Abstract: This summary of recent developments in banking discusses several significant revisions to the FFIEC’s Bank Secrecy Act/ Anti-Money Laundering Examination Manual. It also notes that the OCC has proposed an update to its regulations that permits banks to hold in-person meetings, and that in June the OCC released its Spring 2020 Semiannual Risk Perspective, reporting key issues facing the federal banking system. In addition, the article points out that the FFIEC recently provided cloud computing guidance.

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  • Are off-site bank examinations here to stay?

    Fall 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 542

    Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many banking regulators have shifted to an off-site, or remote, examination process. Many people believe that off-site examinations — with their obvious efficiencies and other benefits — will become standard operating procedure in the future. This article explains the Federal Reserve’s position on use of off-site examinations under unique circumstances and looks at some key factors in how examiners determine whether they’re appropriate, including a bank’s risk profile and management preferences.

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  • Hedge your bets – Balance risk vs. reward in asset concentrations

    Fall 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 661

    Abstract: A community’s economy is often based on just one or two industries, with a smattering of others in the mix. But primarily lending to just one industry, whether it’s to farmers, manufacturers or any other group, can throw a community bank’s loans out of whack and make it tough to recover if that industry takes a hit. This article discusses how community banks can balance risk and reward as they provide lending services to local industries.

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  • Now’s the time to review your internal controls

    Fall 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 907

    Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the way banks and other organizations do business. Some banks have closed branches — and many are operating with reduced staff or relying more heavily on remote workers. These conditions create internal control challenges. This article suggests that it’s a good idea for banks to review their internal control policies and procedures and consider strategies for making them more efficient and effective. A sidebar offers some cybersecurity tips for remote workers.

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  • Bank Wire

    Summer 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 436

    Abstract: This brief summary of recent developments in community banking explains that the federal banking agencies have issued a rule temporarily offering appraisal relief to real estate transactions affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) national emergency. It also notes that the Federal Reserve Board has relaxed a restriction on savings accounts transfers and points out that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act defers payroll taxes, also temporarily. Finally, the article discusses the results of a recent survey of community banks.

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  • Will CECL affect your incentive compensation plans?

    Summer 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 561

    Abstract: For most community banks, the current expected credit loss (CECL) model doesn’t take effect until 2023. Nevertheless, given the impact on banks’ financial statements and accounting processes, it’s a good idea to start preparing as early as possible. This article points out that it’s important for banks to understand CECL’s potential impact on incentive compensation plans. It discusses the impact of the new rules and what steps banks should take to prepare to implement the rules.

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  • Take steps now to handle liquidity risk

    Summer 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 632

    Abstract: As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, businesses and banks are suffering under nearly unprecedented economic pressures that are likely to play out for some time. This article notes that it’s more important than ever for community banks to set up appropriate strategies, policies, procedures and limits to manage and mitigate their liquidity risk. These may include ensuring effective board and management oversight and implementing appropriate liquidity risk measurement and monitoring systems, among other steps.

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  • Keeping credit viable during a crisis – CARES Act helps community banks assist their borrowers

    Summer 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 883

    Abstract: In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’s negative impact on the U.S. and global economies, federal lawmakers have taken a number of steps to stimulate the economy and sustain credit flow — including passing the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This article discusses several of the act’s provisions designed to help community banks extend credit to struggling businesses and individuals. A sidebar looks at whether banks might be entitled to refunds of prior years’ taxes.

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  • Bank Wire

    Spring 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 416

    Abstract: This brief summary of recent developments in community banking points out that the OCC and FDIC recently issued an interagency statement on heightened cybersecurity risks that reminds banks to implement and maintain effective preventive controls. It also discusses a recent OCC report warning that compliance risk related to Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering activities remained high last year. Finally, the article notes that a recent case illustrates the importance of carefully following the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

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  • Breaking up is hard to do – Protect bank interests after a divorce

    Spring 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 662

    Abstract: If a borrower’s business is co-owned by two married partners, will the business fall apart if the marriage does? This article looks at some factors community banks should be aware of if their loans are at risk due to divorce. The article explains how divorce could affect the ownership and operation of a small business. It points out that, if banks and their lenders stay on top of potential problems, they’ll likely be able to help borrowers navigate these difficult waters and come out relatively unscathed, protecting their loans in the process.

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  • Artificial intelligence may be the future of community banking

    Spring 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 689

    Abstract: Recent technological developments — such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA) and machine learning — are rapidly changing the way we do business. And an increasing number of community banks are now recognizing their value. This article discusses the potential uses of such technologies, including automating the account opening process, changing addresses and other information, and improving fraud protection. It notes that community banks should monitor these new technologies and consider how they might improve their businesses — either now, or down the road.

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  • Should you be stress testing your borrowers?

    Spring 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 831

    Abstract: Most banks are familiar with the concept of stress testing: By evaluating the impact of adverse external events on a bank’s earnings, capital adequacy and other financial measures, stress testing can be a highly effective risk management tool. And while community banks generally aren’t required to conduct stress testing, banking regulators view it as a best practice. This article discusses the ins and outs of stress testing. A sidebar explains Canada’s mortgage stress-testing law.

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  • Bank Wire

    Winter 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 487

    Abstract: This summary of recent developments in banking looks at the implications for banks of a statement issued in July 2019 by the federal banking agencies: Joint Statement on Risk-Focused Bank Secrecy Act / Anti-Money Laundering Supervision. It also points out that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recently finalized its community bank leverage ratio framework and discusses the framework’s requirements for community banks. In addition, the article explains the importance of avoiding potential director liability in connection with individual loan approvals and notes some recent FASB-approved CECL and lease accounting delays.

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  • Does your website comply with Truth-in-Lending regulations?

    Winter 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 628

    Abstract: A bank’s website may serve a variety of purposes, but ultimately it’s a form of advertising. That means that any descriptions of a bank’s loans, credit cards and other lending products on the site must comply with the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z. This article points out that, over the past few years, regulators and potential litigants have been scrutinizing banks’ websites to identify potential compliance violations. The article notes that it’s a good idea for bankers to review their websites and correct any problems before they become the subject of an examination or lawsuit.

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  • Dig deeper to avoid fraudulent financial restatements

    Winter 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 612

    Abstract: To ensure that corrections aren’t covering up fraudulent activity, it’s important for community bank lenders to take a second look when their borrowers present them with financial restatements. While a careless mistake isn’t necessarily unethical, this article uses a hypothetical example to illustrate how bad accounting can easily slide into fraud — whether intentional or unintentional. It suggests that lenders need to carefully evaluate borrowers’ financial restatements so that their banks can head off potential bad loans before they happen.

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  • LIBOR no more: How to prepare for the rate’s expected demise

    Winter 2020
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 908

    Abstract: For decades, financial institutions around the world have used the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) as a reference interest rate for loans and other financial instruments. But over the last several years, the marketplace has lost confidence in LIBOR for several reasons. This article explains that LIBOR will likely be discontinued after 2021 and that a global effort is currently underway to identify alternative reference rates. It notes the importance of working with the bank’s advisors to identify an appropriate reference rate for the bank — drafting fallback language that reflects the bank’s particular circumstances.

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