Banking
Showing 1–16 of 508 results
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7 ways to improve business credit ratings
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 419
Abstract: While businesses continue to struggle with the ramifications of coronavirus (COVID-19), banks continue to receive applications for traditional loans. Some may meet lending criteria, but others may fall short due to the impact of the pandemic. This article offers seven simple steps loan applicants can take to meet an institution’s credit standards.
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Know the warning signs – Monitoring accounts receivable can minimize default risk
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: Accounts receivable represent the amount of money that customers owe a borrower for purchases. If a borrower pledges accounts receivable as collateral to qualify for a loan or line of credit, the lender typically claims them to cover losses if the borrower defaults on repaying its debts. But poorly maintained or fraudulent balances hobble lenders’ ability to recover losses. This article discusses the importance of monitoring borrowers’ accounts receivable to ensure they’re legitimate and collectible.
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How to help borrowers build long-term value
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 602
Abstract: Bringing fresh ideas and concepts to the market is how entrepreneurs succeed. But sustaining that success over time requires a different mindset. This article offers some ways to help borrowers transition to long-term sustainability and growth, such as creating business plans and developing marketing and branding strategies.
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Should you lend to a business with a track record of lawsuits?
June / July 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 821
Abstract: Businesses may be subject to lawsuits for a multitude of reasons. While a lawsuit doesn’t, in and of itself, mean that the business or its leadership engaged in wrongdoing, it could affect the degree of inherent risk associated with any lending arrangements. This article suggests four steps lenders can take to evaluate the risk associated with pending lawsuits. The steps can help determine whether it makes sense to proceed with a prospective borrower’s application. A short sidebar discusses questions to ask about current and previous litigation to help understand the legal risk a prospective borrower faces.
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License vs. franchise: What’s the difference?
April / May 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 395
Abstract: Some businesses choose to license, rather than franchise, their products or services. Although licensing generally requires less cash to support and maintain than franchising, a licensor may still need access to some capital to support future business aspirations. This article explains that, while a license agreement may be a borrower’s best option, each situation needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. It also notes that, before lending to a licensor, the lender should review the current licensing agreements.
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A dashboard report sheds light on a loan’s viability
April / May 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 552
Abstract: Sorting through a collection of complex and disparate financial data to discern what’s most pertinent to a loan portfolio is both an art and a science. A periodic dashboard report can shed light on potential trouble spots — before it’s too late. This article explains how dashboard reports provide timely, relevant input that can help lenders evaluate the financial status of a borrower, especially if they have specific concerns about the company’s viability.
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Think long-term – Relationships are key to retaining borrowers
April / May 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 573
Abstract: Online banking is trending and becoming a watchword. Traditional bankers or lenders might be scrambling to catch up and implement the latest technology. But while technology is important, good, old-fashioned relationship building is often the most effective approach to retaining borrowers over time. This article discusses ways lenders can build those relationships, including staying alert for refinancing options or more borrowing opportunities — and keeping in touch with borrowers regularly.
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The pros and cons of lending to a dying business sector
April / May 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 825
Abstract: A business in a dying industry sector doesn’t fail overnight — it might take years to reach the point where it can no longer operate as a going concern. In the meantime, it likely will need access to debt capital. This article discusses when it might make sense to lend to a business in a dying sector, and how lenders can maximize loan profitability while mitigating the risk. A sidebar lists some of the signs that a mature business sector faces a questionable future.
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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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Proactive lenders ask borrowers about cash flow practices
February / March 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 413
Abstract: Cash flow is the lifeblood of a small business. This article suggests some questions to ask when evaluating a prospective borrower’s cash flow management, such as whether customers are paying on time and whether the borrower is taking advantage of its credit terms. The article notes that cash flow statements can help lenders understand the overall health of their borrowers’ businesses — particularly whether the borrowers are able to generate and hold cash.
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What should you do when your borrower becomes ill?
February / March 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 612
Abstract: Dealing with a borrower who has become ill or injured creates unique challenges for a lending relationship. Creating trust and ensuring good communication will become even more important if the borrower is a sole owner who, through some unforeseen event, such as illness, becomes unable to meet the payment terms of a loan. This article offers some strategies for lenders when a loan becomes endangered by borrower illness, including keeping communication channels open and suggesting a temporary surrogate to take over until the borrower is able to reassume management of the company.
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Don’t lose the online fight: Build a winning strategy
February / March 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: Online lenders offer potential borrowers speed, efficiency and convenience. To compete, traditional lenders need to up their digital game, while continuing to emphasize the benefits only they can provide. This article provides some tips on how lenders can build a successful strategy, including deepening and nurturing personal relationships with borrowers and taking steps to streamline the lending process. It points out that lenders need to adapt to the changing lending market to ensure they remain competitive.
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Weathering the storm – How to help borrowers survive a downturn
February / March 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 813
Abstract: No one can predict with certainty when a recession will happen. By the time it does, it’s often too late for lenders to adopt a proactive approach to help the business weather the storm. This article shows how lenders can help borrowers survive and maintain profitability over the long term regardless of the vagaries of the economy. Conserving cash, maintaining customer connections and improving employee support are just a few of the strategies lenders can suggest to borrowers. A sidebar offers six questions lenders can ask to gauge a borrower’s management experience during an economic downturn.