BankThink

Several banks and industry groups are pledging money to help bankers and their clients recover from the hurricane and its aftermath.

The purpose of the stress tests program is to reassure the public that the banking system is safe, but the stress tests are not an independent assessment of financial institutions’ actual strength.

CFPB and OCC are looking at auto lenders’ policies regarding so-called GAP insurance; banks want greater collateral from retailers.

Safety first, counseling and maybe massages later. For most banks, the goal after a robbery is to restore normalcy. But how they go about it varies, from requiring employees to return to the scene to enlisting colleagues who have had a similar experience to provide support.

Their immediate effort is to ensure colleagues and clients are safe and that banking services are available to hurricane victims. The next big issue is preparing for the financial hit banks and customers will take from wind and water damage.