Banking
Showing 401–416 of 600 results
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BANK Wire – Expanded reporting of interest paid to nonresident aliens
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 422
Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” looks at expanded reporting requirements for interest paid to nonresident aliens; the scheduled end of mandatory unlimited coverage of non-interest-bearing transaction accounts and Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTAs); and new federal interagency guidance to help protect military homeowners who receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.
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Looking for trouble – When is a loan restructuring a TDR?
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 637
Abstract: Classifying restructured loans as “troubled debt restructurings” (TDRs) could have a significant impact on a bank’s financial statements. A restructuring is a TDR if a bank or other creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower it wouldn’t otherwise consider. But what qualifies as a “concession”? This article discusses recent guidance on this matter from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
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Where the fraudsters go
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 652
Abstract: Fraud hurts many aspects of a business — including its ability to repay its bank loans. An astute lender knows where to look on a client’s balance sheet to catch a whiff of fraud. Because fraud escalates in down economies, lenders have their work cut out for them — but less so if they know what they’re looking for. This article discusses specifically what to look for when examining inventory and accounts receivable and payable.
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Cloud computing: What banks need to know
Fall 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 792
Abstract: Moving IT operations to the “cloud” offers substantial benefits, but many banks are reluctant to embrace cloud computing because of concerns about information security, data reliability and regulatory compliance. These concerns are legitimate, particularly when outsourced cloud services are provided over the Internet. This article discusses cloud computing and its benefits, but also shows how banks can conduct thorough due diligence and take other steps to manage the risks. A sidebar offers three specific due diligence tips.
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Electronic records management – Why your bank needs a comprehensive policy
Summer 2008
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1091
Abstract: Paper is so last century. The days when businesses worried about where they would store their records are over. Today, it’s estimated that more than 90% of all business records are created in electronic form, and most of those are never printed at all. A comprehensive records management policy, therefore, is more important than ever before. (Updated 8/29/12)
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Taking care of business – 6 steps to an effective continuity plan
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 754
Abstract: Every company should have a business continuity plan (BCP) for maintaining or recovering operations if natural disaster hits, technology fails, terrorists attack — or your business is in some other way interrupted. For financial institutions, the ante is especially high. Thus, it’s critical for banks to have a BCP to minimize financial loss and ensure they can continue serving customers. (Updated 8/29/12)
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Bank-owned life insurance – Should you take out policies on your employees?
Winter 2008
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1222
Abstract: As employee benefits costs continue to climb, many banks are turning to bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) to help offset the expense. If your bank uses BOLI or is contemplating doing so, it’s critical to review recent legislative, regulatory and accounting developments in this area. BOLI remains an effective tool, but it’s important to know its limits and potential impact on your institution’s financial statements. (Updated 8/29/12)
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Back to Basics — Family ties might belie good judgment
August / September 2012
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 497
Abstract: Lenders often develop their closest relationships with family businesses. But, as they get to know a company’s family members, they may unearth questionable business practices that jeopardize debt service, especially as the company transitions to second-generation ownership. As this article explains, having family members on the payroll is just one example of a related-party transaction. Other areas to watch for are variable interest entities, commonly owned suppliers and customers, quasi-business expenses, and related-party loans.
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Being on the lookout for fraud
August / September 2012
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 729
Abstract: What causes fraud to ignite in a company? And what should a lender know about conditions that make fraud possible — and even likely — to happen? This article discusses the “fraud triangle” that triggers occupational fraud and offers tips for preventing it among employees and executives alike.
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Bad debts, bad to the bone — Assessing the allowance for doubtful accounts
August / September 2012
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 712
Abstract: Borrowers frequently pledge accounts receivable as collateral. But what’s on the balance sheet might not be what the borrower collects — even if the business sets aside an allowance for doubtful accounts. These allowances are subjective and can be difficult to audit, especially in uncertain economic times. This article discusses the direct write-off and allowance methods for assessing an allowance for doubtful accounts, along with the likelihood of collectibility for aging receivables.
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Know thy borrower’s industry
August / September 2012
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 780
Abstract: Prudent lenders take the time to genuinely understand each customer’s industry. This article offers some steps that lenders may find useful when approached by a borrower in an industry with which they’re unfamiliar. It shows how to define the industry and determine where it’s headed, and what to look for among suppliers, vendors and customers. A sidebar explains how to conduct an industry analysis.
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BANK Wire – JOBS Act raises SEC threshold
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 405
Abstract: This issue’s “BANK Wire” looks at news items regarding a higher threshold for SEC registration; the threat of lawsuits involving ATMs that fail to display a physical notice of ATM fees; the expanded role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in accepting bank-related complaints; and the newly revised “Concentrations of Credit” booklet — available from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency — regarding compliance with examiners’ guidelines about risky concentrations of commercial real estate loans.
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Wealth management programs – How to “carry” a millionaire
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 577
Abstract: The greatest advantage community banks have over larger banks is their ability to build long-term customer relationships. This article shows how money management services, particularly for those with ample funds to invest, can grow customer relationships while enhancing the revenue stream. It discusses what’s involved in developing a wealth management program, including automated technologies and sufficient staffing.
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Managing outsourcing risks
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 688
Abstract: Outsourcing operational functions to third parties offers small to midsize banks significant benefits and cost savings. With access to sophisticated technology and expertise — and the advantage of economies of scale — third-party providers typically can perform these functions far more cost-effectively than an individual bank could. But banks need to make sure that they have policies and procedures in place to manage the risks associated with third parties. This article discusses four essential elements of an effective risk management process, as outlined by the FDIC’s Financial Institution Letter 44-2008, “Guidance for Managing Third-Party Risk.”
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Cross-collateralization: Handle with care
Summer 2012
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 827
Abstract: One potential strategy for reducing risk associated with commercial loans is cross-collateralization — that is, using multiple properties to secure a loan associated with one property. This strategy can provide significant benefits, but it raises several issues banks must consider before adoption. This article discusses some of the accounting concerns, along with considerations involved when restructuring debt. A sidebar highlights two Department of Labor advisory opinions regarding cross-collateralization agreements with IRA owners.
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Back to Basics — Disclosures lessen risky business
June / July 2012
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 461
Abstract: Some private firms refrain from disclosing risk factors, because they worry that it will detract from positive reporting content or scare away stakeholders by admitting certain threats and weaknesses. But it’s the other way around: Experienced investors and lenders understand that risk is part of every business scenario. This article discusses why risk factor disclosures are important.