Looking back and ahead as calendar turns
BankBeat Publisher Tom Bengtson looks back at some of the trends that defined banking in 2023 while looking ahead to 2024. [Continue]
Writer: Tom Bengtson
Real solutions require more than calls to do less
Doing less is a good strategy for achieving safety, but it is not a good strategy for getting things done. [Continue]
Don’t sweep FDIC workplace issues under the rug
The mid-November articles in the Wall Street Journal detailing a workplace culture of sexual harassment, alcohol abuse, intimidation and discrimination warrant outrage on so many levels. [Continue]
FedNow in a tentative payments climate
Most people want an opportunity to change their mind, to take it back. Sometimes “real time” is simply too sudden, particularly when we have little or no experience with the vendor. [Continue]
West Bank’s Nelson speaks up for advocacy, honored with IBA award
Dave Nelson, chair and CEO of the $3.6 billion West Bank of West Des Moines, Iowa, is known for his succinct summation of industry issues in pithy talking points for policymakers and elected officials. [Continue]
Lawmakers, Fed to blame for banking crises, Hoenig says
Whenever there is a banking crisis, bankers get blamed, but a former FDIC Vice Chair and 38-year Federal Reserve veteran told bankers the real culprits are those propagating undisciplined fiscal policy and bad monetary policy. Speaking at the Iowa Bankers Association convention, Thomas Hoenig said the last three major crises were caused by huge increases in federal spending and reactionary increases in interest rates that wreaked havoc on the economy and at the nation’s banks. [Continue]
Reminders for regulators
Regulatory agencies are supposed to enforce laws written by Congress. Activist regulators who want to take matters beyond the letter of the law have a right like anyone else to work the political system to change the law. [Continue]
Wisconsin joins Kansas with tax laws promoting lending parity
Banks are gaining some parity with tax-exempt lenders by appealing to lawmakers with arguments that stress economic development and the benefits of a competitive marketplace for loans. [Continue]
Regulation — then and now
Things change over time, and if you go back far enough, differences can be dramatic. I cite the regulatory environment for community banks as an example. [Continue]
Bankers share insights into fintech partnerships
Three bankers who are forging new relationships with providers of fresh technology recently shared their experiences during the opening session of the annual convention of BankIn Minnesota. [Continue]