Opinion

Sandbox or Greenhouse? A safe space for tech experimentation

The Financial Services Innovation Act, introduced by Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) last fall, remains in contention for a hearing this year. The bill is designed to promote innovation in financial products without fear that regulators will make companies unnecessarily tap the brakes. Less controversial than the OCC’s proposed fintech charter, passage of the bill would … Read more

Fintech Regulation

Trade groups and the OCC do not see eye-to-eye on how to handle growing innovation among financial technology companies. [Continue]

Courtside to a Deal

A merger of equals in Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming brought together two unlikely partners thanks to a chance conversation. [Continue]

Corporate Matters

Wisconsin and Minnesota banks join; two family banks combine between Iowa and Colorado. [Continue]

Straight Talk: Davis’ words of wisdom

Davis’ words of wisdom U.S. Bancorp has had a good run under the leadership of Richard Davis, 58, who will step down as CEO on April 18, handing the reins to Andy Cecere. Davis, who will remain executive chairman, was named CEO of the company in December 2006 and chairman a year later. Having listened … Read more

A community bank director’s role: Lessons learned

In the past two years we’ve experienced the sale of four community banks where we served as directors and investors. Our experience as community bank investors, executives and directors was enriched as each bank engaged in the process.

So what did we learn?

First, strategic shareholder value updates should be on every holding company board’s agenda. The board is directly responsible for preserving, protecting and defending the shareholders’ interest in your bank’s capital account. Most directors are not focused on banking on a daily basis; we need to be reminded regularly of community banking trends and valuations. [Continue]

It’s not too late for community banks to disrupt the future

The Money 20/20 conference prides itself in bringing together companies of all sizes and backgrounds, from multi-billion dollar financial institutions to fintech startups working out of their garage, and everyone in between. As a first-time attendee at the world’s largest and most well-known payments conference, I spoke with seasoned vets on what I could expect. “Wear comfortable shoes” and “get ready to be overwhelmed” were the pieces of wisdom bestowed upon me. Comfortable shoes turned out to be a hot tip as I navigated through the 11,000 attendees, 4,000 minutes of content and a 1.8 million-square-foot exhibit hall filled to the brim. By the end of the four-day conference, my pedometer logged me as having walked almost 30 miles. [Continue]