Banking

Showing 481–496 of 596 results

  • Keeping an eye on your customers’ cash

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 621

    Abstract: Obtaining current financial information from borrowers — and properly analyzing it — is more important than ever in light of today’s regulatory environment. Banks need to regularly evaluate a borrower’s ability to repay — and a statement of cash flow can reveal clues about an existing or prospective borrower’s performance. This article explains the three sections of a cash flow statement, and how it shows changes from one accounting period to the next.

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  • Constraints on capital – What’s holding your bank back?

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 904

    Abstract: A struggling economy affects bank capital on both sides of the equation: It hurts earnings and it increases risk. But this article shows that downgraded securities, deferred tax assets, and new rules requiring certain assets to be reflected on balance sheets can have a direct impact on bank capital levels. The article also discusses new proposals that would significantly impact bank capital requirements. And a sidebar explains why the SEC might regard a small community bank as public even if it never makes a public stock offering.

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  • Distressed assets – Online auctions ease sales

    Fall 2010
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 559

    Abstract: Banks looking to sell troubled loans should consider online auctions as a part of their strategy. These auctions can streamline the sales process and expose the bank’s distressed assets to a large pool of potential bidders. But they require careful due diligence. This article lists several auction sites, explains how an auction house works, and offers ways to minimize risks.

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  • Market Niche Insider – Lend a helping hand – How to gauge a not-for-profit’s creditworthiness

    August / September 2010
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 427

    Abstract: Not-for-profits (NFPs) are among those hardest hit by the recent recession. They’re collecting less cash from government funding and private donations. At the same time, more individuals are turning to charities for help with basic needs. In supporting their local communities, lenders often donate time to NFPs or add these entities to their loan portfolios. This article offers some helpful tips to follow when lending to a charity.

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  • S corporation essentials – What should you know about this business structure?

    August / September 2010
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 638

    Abstract: The fear of double taxation has caused many U.S. businesses to turn to a corporate structure that can best protect their profits: a Subchapter S corporation. Because the rules for S corporations are often in flux, lenders need to keep on top of how they work and what the restrictions are. And business owners — and their lenders — need to be aware of certain hazards inherent in this corporate arrangement. This article explores the ins and outs — and pros and cons — of S corporations.

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  • Changing of the guard

    August / September 2010
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 850

    Abstract: When a borrower hands over the reins of a family business to another owner, it’s important to judge whether that change will be good or bad for loan repayment. Plus, lenders who stay atop ownership changes may be rewarded with new lending opportunities. This article discusses how to assess the company’s management strength, and the importance of looking at a sale’s structure and funding, including the possible use of ESOPs. A sidebar addresses formal contingency plans in the event of a sudden business disruption.

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  • Site visits yield surprises

    August / September 2010
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 666

    Abstract: Site visits give lenders something financial statements don’t — a hands-on understanding of their borrowers’ operations and a way to foster long-term lending relationships. An inside view can be an eye-opener when it comes to prospective and existing customers alike. This article discusses what to look for in a site visit, and possible frauds that may be lurking.

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  • BANKWire – Bankers on overdraft fees

    Summer 2010
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 404

    Abstract: This new feature offers news briefs concerning matters that are important to community bankers. In this issue, we take a look at overdraft fees; an extension of the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee program; new federal guidance regarding management of funding and liquidity risks; overtime pay for mortgage loan officers; and modernization of the Uniform Bank Performance Report.

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  • Going paperless? Take time to plan

    Summer 2010
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 730

    Abstract: The term “paperless” encompasses many different technologies, from remote deposit capture and online loan applications to back-office document management systems. More and more community banks are considering implementing the latter as imaging costs decrease. This article lists seven potential benefits of a document management system, and offers four tips for implementation. A sidebar discusses how to protect customer information if outsourcing this work.

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  • Telltale trouble – How to assess if a customer will fail

    Summer 2010
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 708

    Abstract: The economy is on the mend, but businesses of all kinds continue to shut their doors. To protect themselves, banks need to identify borrowers that can’t turn themselves around. Identifying strengths will help them predict which of their business-loan customers likely will emerge from the down economy in good shape. And spotting warning signs will help them make the correct lending decisions — even when it means pulling the plug. This article describes both the strengths and weaknesses to look for.

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  • Combating mortgage fraud

    Summer 2010
    Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 653

    Abstract: Mortgage fraud is among the fastest growing white-collar crimes in the United States. But while there’s no foolproof method for fending off fraudsters, it’s critical for all banks to have an antifraud program. A report by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council provides a comprehensive look at mortgage fraud and outlines best practices for preventing fraud and red flags for detecting it. The report details older fraud schemes as well as newer ones and describes the most common mechanisms used to perpetrate these schemes.

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  • Market Niche Insider – Plastic makes perfect – Plastic molders with discipline beat the odds

    June / July 2010
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 399

    Abstract: There’s no margin for error in plastics production. Productivity is higher than ever, but a variety of factors continue to threaten profits. Strong manufacturers not only exercise discipline in their approach to pricing, but have a formal long-term survival strategy. It may be necessary to steer borrowers who lack discipline and focus to an outside professional for a wake-up call.

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  • Risk checklist – 7 liabilities worth uncovering

    June / July 2010
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 395

    Abstract: Unearthing not-so-obvious risk and liabilities is multilayered: Lenders should perform industry risk analyses, interview management, request additional documentation and pay attention to business community word-of-mouth. This article poses seven questions meant to help lenders uncover some of the potential risks and liabilities that can compromise debt service.

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  • Down economy invites fraud – Lender due diligence is a deterrent

    June / July 2010
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 681

    Abstract: Instances of fraud rise during down economies, making fraud awareness and detection critical — not only for business owners, but also for lenders. They need to look out for the “fraud triangle,” a set of conditions that invite malfeasance, along with signs indicating that fraud may already be underway. And lower-level employees shouldn’t be the only object of scrutiny — C-level fraud, in which owners and managers have the authority to override internal controls, is trickier and more costly.

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  • Appreciate the art, science of valuation

    June / July 2010
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 956

    Abstract: Lenders often have a stake in private company mergers and acquisitions, so it’s important that they know whether the target’s price is reasonable. Procuring a professional appraisal upfront can mean the difference between a long-term lending relationship and default. To help make informed lending decisions, lenders should know the standards of value used by appraisers, along with their valuation methodologies. A sidebar to this article points out the dangers of relying on generic valuation formulas.

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  • Market Niche Insider – Are startups worth the risk?

    April / May 2010
    Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 430

    Abstract: A popular urban myth is that 90% of new businesses fail, but the reality is quite different. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, for example, seven out of every 10 startups survive at least two years and about half reach the five-year mark (not counting adequate businesses that are voluntarily closed or are sold). To improve their odds for successful startup lending, lenders need to carefully scrutinize the borrower’s macroeconomic matters, the caliber of the entrepreneur, and the business plan.

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