Banking
Showing 449–464 of 600 results
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Cash flow statements tell a story
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Lenders who use the statement of cash flows as an assessment tool can gain insight into their customers’ financial health, cash management skills and loan worthiness. But they need to understand what they’re seeing — or they could draw the wrong conclusions. This article explains the three sections of a statement of cash flows and what lenders should look for while reviewing it.
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Top of the heap – Be aware of the most rampant fraud risk areas
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 957
Abstract: When fraud strikes a borrower, its ability to repay debt — and the quality of its collateral — may be compromised. This article shows how lenders can protect themselves from fraud losses by identifying and monitoring high-risk balance sheet accounts. It focuses on the fraud-prone areas of accounts receivable, accounts payable and inventory. A sidebar lists some of the ways executives under pressure might misstate or exaggerate financial results.
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Does your borrower need new management?
August / September 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: Lenders who recognize when it’s time for a borrower to have a management change can help streamline the transition and prevent financial turmoil. This article discusses specific factors a lender should consider in helping a borrower decide whether it’s best to bring in a family member, hire more experienced outsiders, or sell to a larger organization.
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BANK Wire – SAFE Act deadline
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 385
Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” briefly discusses a July 29 SAFE Act deadline regarding the new Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry; FDIC guidance on overdraft fees; a proposal to require certain employees to be trained on FDIC deposit insurance coverage; and the Federal Reserve Board’s proposed amendments to Regulation CC, Availability of Funds and Collection of Checks.
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Getting a grip on business valuation
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: How professional valuators come to their conclusions depends on many variables. This article offers some basic tenets for bankers to keep in mind as they review business valuation reports. It describes three definitions of “value” and three approaches to valuing a business.
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Destination foreclosure – Mind the paper trail as you advance
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 586
Abstract: Following the 2010 scandal involving improper foreclosure policies and practices at some of the nation’s largest banks, federal regulators are taking a closer look at the process. This article lists a number of weaknesses that have been found at 14 large mortgage servicers — in particular the use of “robo-signers.”
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Is your real estate appraisal program up to par?
Summer 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 864
Abstract: In the wake of the financial crisis, lawmakers and banking regulators have set their sights on real estate collateral valuation practices. To be sure of meeting examiners’ expectations, it’s important to conduct an assessment of one’s appraisal and evaluation program. This article looks at the recently revised Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines that indicate which transactions are covered and what makes a collateral valuation program effective. A sidebar discusses an evaluation of collateral, which may be required in lieu of an appraisal when a transaction is exempt.
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Back to Basics – How to work with FASB codification
June / July 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 472
Abstract: As lenders review their borrowers’ 2010 and 2011 financial statements, they may notice references to Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) in the footnotes, instead of the familiar Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) references. Many lenders are uncertain about what these new citations mean and why the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has rewritten its rules. This article explains how ASC affects commercial lenders today.
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Key person life insurance can help prevent mayhem
June / July 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 659
Abstract: An unexpected event, such as a heart attack, a fatal car accident, or a resignation involving a key executive, could cause costly damage to borrowers’ businesses. One way business customers can guard against this risk is by purchasing key person life insurance for their most important leaders. This article explains how it works, what it costs, and how much coverage is appropriate.
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Compilations, reviews, audits – Be confident about the differences
June / July 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 612
Abstract: CPAs prepare three types of financial statements — compilations, reviews and audits — in order of increasing assurance level and cost. Unfortunately, many lenders are unfamiliar with the term “assurance” and how these offerings differ. This article explains what each type involves and the circumstances in which a particular approach might be best.
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Interpreting financials – Think like an auditor
June / July 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 994
Abstract: Historic financial statements may reveal signs of financial distress and provide the foundation for future projections. But a financial analysis approach based on audit techniques allows lenders to identify and target high-risk areas. As this article explains, the process involves using a risk assessment to create a scorecard for each borrower, and it describes a few generic ratios that belong on every scorecard. But a sidebar illustrates the need to customize one’s financial analysis approach for different types of borrowers.
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Back to Basics – Do you read the statement of cash flows?
April / May 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 485
Abstract: The statement of cash flows is sandwiched between income statement and footnote disclosures in borrowers’ annual financial reports. Much like a middle child, it rarely garners the attention it deserves. But savvy lenders know that it contains valuable information about the sources and uses of their borrowers’ cash. This article discusses the four sections of the statement and how to glean important information from them.
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Keep tabs on distressed borrowers
April / May 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1020
Abstract: Some borrowers continue to limp along — wounded and headed for failure — despite reports of a gradual economic recovery. Lenders who let their guard down are likely to get burned. This article offers the hypothetical case of Jane, a lender who was almost undone by blind trust in a long-time borrower. When the borrower became ill and his son took over, she didn’t immediately realize that he was in over his head. Fortunately, she took corrective actions in the nick of time. In a sidebar, Jane is more diligent in recognizing another borrower’s fraudulent activity.
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“I quit” – 4 questions to ask when a CFO leaves
April / May 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: The CFO is the CEO’s right hand in most businesses, and his or her departure should be examined closely to determine whether it will affect the borrower’s creditworthiness. This article offers four important questions to consider: How important is the CFO to the company’s performance? Why is the person leaving? What will the stockholders think? And does the company have a replacement strategy?
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Your customers’ costs – Understanding health care reform
April / May 2011
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 718
Abstract: As borrowers struggle to earn a profit in today’s topsy-turvy economy, they’re concerned about facing additional financial obligations under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Lenders can help demystify health care reform for their borrowers — and inform them about ways to manage labor costs in the years ahead. This article looks at how much coverage is mandated, and how small businesses can offset their costs through tax credits and a Small Business Health Options Program or “SHOP exchange.” It also looks at several nuances of the health care tax credit.
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BANK Wire – FASB backs off fair value proposal
Spring 2011
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 403
Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” explains that FASB has tentatively decided to allow banks to continue reporting loans held for collection at amortized cost rather than at fair value. It also notes appraisal and evaluation policies and procedures in view of new guidelines issued by the five banking regulators in December; FASB’s deferral of the effective date for certain disclosures about troubled debt restructurings (TDRs); and the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act, which imposes strict licensing and registration requirements on mortgage loan originators (MLOs).