BankThink

Wall Street Journal

In what is either an oversight or an extreme dislike of jargon, the Journal managed to write an 800-word article on the imminent expiration of the Transaction Guarantee Program (TAG) without once using the phrases "Transaction Guarantee Program" or "TAG." The gist is that the Senate would re-up the program, the Republican-dominated House won't, and small banks are seething and fighting for an extension. ...

The "living will" process gives financial institutions the opportunity to, among other things, frame policy, improve operational efficiencies and educate the market, business units and regulators.

Receiving Wide Coverage ...

Bonds, Bonds, Bonds: The FT and the Journal printed articles this morning that indicate the bond market is booming. According to the FT, "in order to lure conservative investors away" from the much maligned money market fund industry, fund management groups are launching (and pushing) "ultra-short" bond funds that will invest in short-term government and corporate paper. This type of investment vehicle, launched by six fund managers over the last few months...

Remain vocal in conveying your opposition to unwarranted regulatory proposals. Understand your true competition by studying peer data. Eat, breathe, preach and execute sales - but sell to profitable niches in a profitable manner.

Banks can get consumers to adopt online banking services by keeping websites simple, communicating a positive message and providing an interactive experience that meets immediate needs.