Economists: Regional economy remains strong
The Midwest economy remains strong despite lingering shortages of workers and workforce housing, according to a pair of recent economic meetings. [Continue]
Economist: Major recession unlikely despite troubling signs
Prominent economist Todd Buchholz does not expect a major recession to strike but is worried that the shortage of workers, political polarization and deficit spending are hampering long-term growth prospects. The economy will worsen as gas prices remain high, Buchholz said, speaking Oct. 4 during the Bank Holding Company Association’s fall seminar. [Continue]
Expert: Failures not a threat to community banks
The recent collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank don’t pose systemic risks to community banks, said Ben Eskierka, United Bankers’ Bank Chief Investment Officer. [Continue]
Bullard: Interest rate above 5 percent likely this year
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President and CEO James Bullard predicted the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee will raise interest rates to over 5 percent this year to ensure that inflation returns to its long-term 2 percent target. Bullard discussed the Fed’s approach to taming inflation and outlined his economic predictions for the coming year. [Continue]
Expert: Fintech buys of banks pose major threat to industry
The trend of fintech investor groups purchasing small banks is a “game-changer” for the financial industry, said Curtis Carpenter, Hovde Group Senior Managing Director, Oct. 3 during the Bank Holding Company Association’s annual fall seminar in Bloomington, Minn. [Continue]
Leaders of family-held banks discuss operations
Three longtime leaders of family-held banks discussed the approaches they take to their positions and how they plan to keep their banks running in a panel at the Bank Holding Company Association’s Spring Seminar at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan, Minn. [Continue]
Modern approach needed to combat fraud, expert says
Banks should be aware of the latest fraud trends, training and encouraging their employees to adopt “a see something, say something” approach to preventing fraud, said Fredrikson & Byron Senior Associate Caitlin Houlton Kuntz. [Continue]
More bankers embrace crypto as industry continues growth
Banks should only explore entering the crypto market after properly understanding the industry’s risks and undertaking necessary due diligence, according to a presentation from Wipfli LLP Principal Marcie Bomberg-Montoya and NYDIG Relationships Manager Tammy Bangs during the Spring Seminar of the Bank Holding Company Association. [Continue]
Executive: Employee Retention Credit still available
Banks and their business customers can still benefit from using the Employee Retention Credit, an industry expert said. [Continue]
Bank strategic planning must broaden for long-term survival
Community banks must broaden their strategic planning beyond growing loans and deposits to ensure long-term survival, said a pair of CLA principals. [Continue]