community-banking

Watch Out for the Loophole in FHFA's Home Loan Bank Plan

03/02/15

Geographic ties bind Federal Home Loan Banks and their members to local communities. The Federal Housing Finance Agency's recent proposal to change the FHLB membership requirements could put this connection at risk. The Federal Home Loan Bank system is a national network of local cooperatives. Each of the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks is as committed to its local region as the members it serves. The system aims to foster responsible lending and meet the needsÂ...

[more]

Want Proof That Dodd-Frank Hurt Community Banks? Weekly Wrap

02/27/15

A recap of the informed opinions (and the discussions they generated) on BankThink this week, including Dodd-Frank's impact on small institutions, Fed chair Janet Yellen's handling of attacks on her staff and Bitcoin's public but pseudonymous ledger.

[more]

An Open Letter to Elizabeth Warren on the Future of Community Banks

02/26/15

The Massachusetts senator recently argued that community banks have little need for regulatory relief. But a closer look at recent FDIC data shows that the health of small banks has taken a turn for the worse in the aftermath of Dodd-Frank.

[more]

Community Banks Need Sleeker Approach to Small-Business Lending

02/24/15

A more efficient, customer-friendly process for small-dollar commercial loan requests is a matter of competitive necessity for most community banks.

[more]

Technological Costs Could Be Last Straw for Community Banks

01/19/15

Many community banks will soon have to replace outdated technology Â-- expenses that will hit them in an ongoing environment of compressed net interest margins, increasing compliance costs and higher capital requirements.

[more]

Discussion: Should Loan Officers Have More Skin in the Game?

12/29/14

Incentives for companies aren't the same as incentives for people. The QRM risk-retention rule doesn't solve "IBG, YBG" Â-- "I'll be gone, you'll be gone." Banks appear to have been slow to adopt clawback policies for individual lenders.

[more]

Restricting FHLB Membership Would Hurt My Pennsylvania Coal Town

12/22/14

A proposal to tighten membership requirements for Federal Home Loan Banks could hamper community lenders' ability to assist in affordable housing and community development programs.

[more]

Low Oil Prices May Prove Costly for Community Banks

12/22/14

Some community banks have entered into the booming energy market without taking the necessary precautions, making them vulnerable to a downturn in oil prices.

[more]

Woo Banking Recruits with a Culture They Can't Refuse

12/10/14

Banks need to showcase a reputable culture Â-- and competitive compensation packages Â-- to seal the deal with top talent.

[more]

Down the Rabbit Hole, Megabanks Thrive and Community Lenders Crumble

12/04/14

Most big companies achieve success by squeezing vendors, lowering prices, improving efficiency and giving consumers what they want. But in the topsy-turvy world of banking, the most disliked financial institutions end up at the top of the food chain.

[more]