Community Banking Advisor

Showing 97–112 of 251 results

  • Bank Wire – Is your bank a public business entity?

    Summer 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 438

    Abstract: This summary of recent developments in banking looks at the impact that classification as a public business entity can have on a bank’s financial statements. It also provides some sources for information on complex new mortgage servicing rules. In addition, it provides some insights into the banking preferences of Millennials, as revealed in a recent Harris poll.

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  • Should you trim the tree? How to evaluate and improve branch performance

    Summer 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 672

    Abstract: Banks need to monitor and evaluate branches on an ongoing basis to ensure they continue to perform well and are contributing to the overall health of the bank. This article discusses several approaches a bank can use to analyze branch performance. It suggests that ongoing monitoring and evaluation can lead to more informed decisions about whether to reduce expenses by closing a branch — or develop new products and services the branch can offer to better serve customers.

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  • Explore new business lines and boost fee income

    Summer 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 609

    Abstract: Many community banks wanting to increase their competitiveness are exploring new business lines, such as SBA lending, municipal finance and insurance premium financing. This article discusses several of these potential business lines and their benefits. The article points out that such tactics may be worth a look for banks wishing to expand their lending options and boost fee income.

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  • Implementing CECL: Federal regulators offer guidance

    Summer 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 879

    Abstract: The Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model was finalized in June 2016 and will take effect beginning in 2020. Nonpublic business entities (non-PBEs), including most community banks, must implement the new model for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and for interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. This article explains the steps banks should take to plan and prepare for the transition to, and implementation of, the new standard, according to federal regulators. A sidebar discusses whether banks should consider stress testing their capital.

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  • Bank Wire – Is your website accessible to the disabled?

    Spring 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 436

    Abstract: This summary of recent developments in community banking discusses the need for banks to ensure their websites are accessible to the visually and hearing impaired to avoid being sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as recent amendments to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s mortgage servicing provisions. The article also includes a quick overview of blockchain technology and its potential for making bank transactions more efficient.

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  • Should there be national bank charters for “fintech” companies?

    Spring 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 598

    Abstract: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is considering issuing special-purpose national bank charters to financial technology (fintech) companies, such as online lenders, payment processors and digital currency firms. Both community banking advocates (concerned about unfair competition) and state banking regulators (who fear their authority will be preempted) have criticized this initiative. This article discusses the pros and cons of these charters. It also suggests that community banks should monitor the OCC’s continuing exploration of charters for fintech companies and evaluate the potential impact on their business strategies.

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  • What benchmarking can do for borrowers

    Spring 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 665

    Abstract: Benchmarking, which involves comparisons between a company’s performance and industry norms or best practices, is a useful tool for a company attempting to gauge its financial performance. But many borrowers don’t use this tool because they’re too caught up in daily operations or aren’t familiar with the available resources. This article uses a hypothetical example to illustrate how bankers can provide guidance to their borrowers on the ins and outs of benchmarking and other professional tools, thus generating a win-win situation for both.

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  • Managing asset concentrations demands a balanced approach

    Spring 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 856

    Abstract: Asset concentrations increase a bank’s risk by exposing it to significant potential losses. But in an effort to serve their communities, many community banks end up with high concentrations in local industries, such as agriculture, forestry or manufacturing. This article suggests some best practices for banks to follow to balance risk vs. reward and mitigate potential risks, including reviewing credit risk management policies and evaluating capital and reserves. A sidebar explains what examiners look for when assessing whether banks have high commercial real estate concentrations.

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  • Bank Wire – Beware of UDAAP

    Winter 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 442

    Abstract: This summary of recent developments in banking looks at how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been cracking down on banking practices it views as unlawful under the Dodd-Frank Act’s regulations on unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices. In addition, the article cites the evidence supporting use of a fraud hotline and explains updated OCC guidance on corporate and risk governance.

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  • Don’t compare apples to oranges – Evaluate borrowers accurately by normalizing financial statements

    Winter 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 651

    Abstract: Borrowers’ accounting practices can vary widely. An accounting tool called “normalizing” can help adjust income statements and balance sheets to compensate for companies’ different accounting methods. Failing to normalize financial statements may result in faulty lending decisions. This article uses some examples to illustrate how normalizing works and the difference it can make in helping a lender who is evaluating a borrower accurately compare its practices to those of a competitor or to industry benchmarks.

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  • New rules on customer due diligence – FinCEN answers frequently asked questions about beneficial ownership

    Winter 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 599

    Abstract: As a result of an action in May 2016 by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), financial institutions will be required to verify the identities of the beneficial owners of their legal-entity customers when the owners open new accounts. This article answers some questions regarding the new due diligence rules, such as which institutions are covered and who a beneficial owner is. The article also notes that banks should have a plan to ensure that the policies and procedures are in place to collect information about the beneficial owners of legal-entity customers.

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  • Cybersecurity takes the spotlight

    Winter 2017
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 927

    Abstract: Federal and state regulators are increasingly scrutinizing banks’ information security efforts. This article points out that, in light of this heightened scrutiny, banks should review, and if necessary, update their cybersecurity programs. The article explains what examiners look for, including risk identification, risk measurement and risk mitigation. A sidebar discusses increased state regulation of cybersecurity.

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  • Bank Wire

    Fall 2016
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 422

    Abstract: This issue’s “Bank Wire” reports on the DOL’s new overtime requirements, which increase the salary level threshold for white-collar exempt employees and are expected to yield a large impact on financial institutions. It also discusses the FFIEC’s new cybersecurity guidance, which urges financial institutions to review their risk-management practices and controls for IT systems and wholesale payment networks, and recommends using multiple-layered security controls.

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  • Do you “speak” both S corporation and C corporation?

    Fall 2016
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 655

    Abstract: Most bankers on the business-lending side of operations have a constant stream of customer financial statements passing over their desk (virtual or otherwise) for an evaluation of the borrowers’ creditworthiness. Thus, bankers need to possess enough knowledge about different types of business structures to shine the right spotlight on diverse financial statements. This article discusses the similarities between, and differences of, C corporation and S corporation financial statements.

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  • Data visualization helps banks combat money laundering

    Fall 2016
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 545

    Abstract: As federal banking regulators intensify their scrutiny of Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering compliance, community banks need to become more proactive in combating money laundering. One potential tool worth considering is data visualization software. This article examines recent compliance requirements and how to effectively incorporate data visualization software into a bank’s antifraud lines of defense.

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  • Accounting for credit losses – Get ready for CECL

    Fall 2016
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 811

    Abstract: In a dramatic change to bank accounting guidelines, the FASB recently finalized its long-awaited CECL model for estimating credit losses. This article highlights the most important elements of the new model, including its forward-looking approach (which involves its treatment of covered and PCD assets, as well as its position on estimating losses and accounting for AFS securities) and its impact on community banks. A sidebar explains when banks must adopt the CECL model.

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