Lending is NOT the Answer to Earnings or Growth Needs
Executive Summary: One lesson that all banks working in the small or middle markets should have learned by now is that heavy reliance on lending as an earnings or growth…
Small Business: No Need for the Loan Ranger
Executive Summary: The small business segment offers banks a significant growth opportunity that is both organic and addresses the needs of the local community. However, this time as banks refocus…
The “Good” Bad Loan
Executive Summary: Not all bad loans are created equal. While some loans illustrate fundamentally flawed approaches to lending, others demonstrate a bank’s commitment to its community and empathy for borrowers…
Are You Small Business Friendly? Do You Care?
Executive Summary: Banks say they want to support small businesses, but the day-to-day reality that business customers experience often differs from the words and marketing gloss of the banking industry….
FDIC Shared-Loss Update: Fewer Failures, Longer Timeframe
Executive Summary: While the number of failed banks in 2010 may be less than previously thought, failures will continue well into 2011. The anticipated slowdown in failures may mean that…
The Checklist Manifesto for Banking
Summary: Banks need to operate with greater consistency and transparency across their institutions as one part of avoiding yet another banking crisis. Senior management should consider a simple but proven…
Look to the Past for Future Growth
Executive Summary: More banks are beginning to think about growth, whether organically or through acquisitions. Over the past 18+months, many banks have ignored growth, operating with an understandable focus on…
Managing Shared-Loss Transactions with the Government as Your Partner
Executive Summary: Acquiring entities that win shared-loss bids for failed banks need to appreciate and anticipate the FDIC’s expectations while managing the acquired entity to maximize benefits to the banks’…
Achieving Growth in a No Growth Environment
Executive Summary: A stagnant economy, high levels of delinquencies, and limited excess cash are all factors contributing to the no or low growth scenarios that most banks face. However, stakeholders,…
The Current Landscape: Limited Options for Growth
Executive Summary: The recent Bank Director’s “Acquire or Be Acquired” conference indicates that the industry’s near-term management options and organic growth opportunities are limited. However, acquisition activities will increase. Two…