Banking
Showing 529–544 of 600 results
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Signposts of strong internal controls
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 397
Abstract: Unfortunately, recessions entice some employees to commit fraud. Lenders should be on the lookout for three basic controls that differentiate strong internal control systems from weak ones: physical restrictions, account reconciliation and job descriptions.
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Greed and hubris have no place in bankruptcy
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 614
Abstract: Lenders might overlook minor transgressions in good times. But when contemplating bankruptcy, lavish spending and blatant disregard for corporate/personal boundaries are slaps in the faces of employees, creditors and lenders. Self-serving spending habits not only set a bad example and lower morale, but they also increase the likelihood of insolvency. And they leave less money for stakeholders to divvy up in liquidation. This article identifies red flags and recourse methods.
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Lean companies are healthy borrowers – Characteristics of efficient supply chain management
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: In a downturned economy, operating inefficiencies can push shaky companies over the edge. But healthy supply chain management can help avoid inefficiencies. Characteristics of a strong system include centralized purchasing, shared information, preferred vendors, tight shipping policies and lean inventory practices.
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Risky customers – Watch out for signs of disappearing cash
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 895
Abstract: Forget net income and book net worth. When it comes to monitoring creditworthiness, cash is king. Every business experiences occasional cash shortfalls — that’s why they need lines of credit — but borrowers with chronic cash deficits may be on the brink of default. This article shows how to scrutinize the statement of cash flows, inquire about significant changes, and find hidden sources of cash. A sidebar shows how the “cash gap” — a financial metric — works.
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Are your business customers looking to switch banks?
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 449
Abstract: A recent survey revealed that nearly half of small and middle-market companies in the U.S. are “actively seeking a new bank or would consider changing banks if presented with a compelling offer.” The main reasons companies want to switch banks are “lack of demonstrated commitment to the business,” “poor communication” and “uncertainty regarding financial health.” But many banks should be able to reverse the trend and hold onto customers by improving communications, making credit decisions on a case-by-case basis, showing more appreciation for long-term customers and providing greater transparency for their own financial condition.
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Dealing with troubled loans
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1115
Abstract: For the first time in years, banks face significant numbers of troubled loans. As you review your loan portfolio and make decisions about how to handle troubled borrowers, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with “troubled debt restructurings” (TDRs), which can affect your financial statements. This article discusses the red flags of a troubled loan, the difference between TDRs and other restructurings, and the accounting implications of TDRs. A sidebar offers an example of a TDR.
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Avoiding “capital” punishment – Maintain adequate capital in today’s economy
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 775
Abstract: The current financial crisis has most banks focusing on liquidity issues and credit risk. But neither can you afford to neglect capital adequacy. Without adequate capital, it’s difficult for banks to make new loans and engage in other activities that drive future growth. There are two basic approaches banks can use to address capital deficiencies. One is to raise new capital. The other is to eliminate risk. Your risk assessment should consider six major risk areas outlined by the Federal Reserve’s banking risk framework.
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Leverage online banking to generate deposit growth
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 674
Abstract: As a byproduct of the current financial downturn, more people are keeping their money in savings accounts and other investments they consider “safe.” This presents an opportunity for financially sound banks to attract new deposits. And one way to spur deposit growth is to take advantage of the Internet and other technologies that encourage people to save and make it easier for them to make deposits with your bank. But online banking also can increase your bank’s exposure to fraud, identity theft, money laundering and other risks. This article lists potential online services, along with risks to guard against.
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Market niche insider – A roadmap for lending to trucking companies
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 477
Abstract: More than 80% of communities rely exclusively on commercial trucks for their delivery of goods, according to the American Trucking Association. A cornerstone of our economy, the trucking industry provides opportunities to lease and finance equipment purchases.
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Cover your assets with key person insurance
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 385
Abstract: If one of your borrowers suddenly lost a key person, how would it affect their productivity, profits and ability to service debt? For many small businesses, the death or long-term disability of an owner or key employee spells disaster.
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How do your borrowers’ inventory practices stack up?
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 659
Abstract: Although borrowers often pledge inventory as loan collateral, the amount shown on their balance sheets isn’t always accurate. In fact, inventory can be a breeding ground for mistakes because its accounting is complex and the volume of transactions that flow through the inventory ledger is high.
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Rethinking debt – A shake-up in the credit markets
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 472
Abstract: The corporate finance world is in a state of flux: Banks continue to rein in debt and put borrowers on shorter leashes. Borrowers also are rethinking their capital structures and lending decisions. For now, conservatism is the name of the game.
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Make your borrowers’ concerns your own
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 831
Abstract: Lenders who understand their borrowers’ financial expectations have a clear edge. Your borrowers’ greatest concerns can tell you what to watch for in terms of high-risk behaviors and management quality: Good borrowers take charge of impending threats.
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Market Niche Insider – Diagnostics for doctors – Physician practices can be lucrative, but risky
March / April 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 483
Abstract: Baby boomers are wealthier, more health conscious and living longer than previous generations, and younger generations routinely seek preventive care. The demand for medical services, then, is rising. But several factors threaten this prestigious niche — and compromise the abilities of your physician borrowers to repay debt.
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For better or worse, fair value reporting is here to stay
March / April 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: The concept of fair value reporting has been around for decades. But it has risen to the forefront because some fair value–related accounting standards have recently taken effect. Simultaneously, a weak economy has impaired the value of many assets, triggering some borrowers to report impairment losses on their financial statements.
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Ratios: The highs and lows of benchmarking for business
March / April 2009
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 864
Abstract: Financial statements contain a wealth of raw data, but busy lenders rarely have time to pore over the details. Ratios concisely capture relationships between financial statement items that you can use to benchmark operating results over time — or against competitors. But like any due diligence tool, ratios only tell part of the story.