ICBA Convention Notebook

Seeking answers on Fannie and Freddie       Speaking candidly to press at the convention, ICBA President/CEO Cam Fine said he found parts of Henry Paulson’s new book to be very interesting. He was referring to “On the Brink,” the book which chronicles the former Treasury Secretary’s efforts to deal with the financial crisis of 2008.       When … Read more

Straight Talk — Banking is not insurance

      Banking and insurance are sometimes lumped together as financial services but, in fact, the two industries take entirely separate approaches to risk management. The distinction helps us to understand the financial crisis and offers important guidance for financial reform efforts.       Risk managers have two key tools for mitigating the odds of negative … Read more

Straight Talk — Let them know you care

      The 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life embodies what most people know about bankers: there are good bankers like George Bailey, and there are evil bankers like Mr. Potter. Everyone wants to work with the good banker. Problem is, they can’t always tell which bankers are like the Jimmy Stewart character and which ones … Read more

Straight Talk — Bankers Need Options

      With the leaders of both national trade groups coming from Michigan, we get a chance to wrestle with a fascinating question: how does a banker choose which trade group to support? Many bankers are active in both the trade groups in their state, but others decide to line up largely or solely … Read more