Notebook
Notes, news and views on community banking [Continue]
Notes, news and views on community banking [Continue]
The message was clear at this year’s ICBA convention. [Continue]
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
Although the economy is improving, there are still considerable indications that the recovery may be only short-lived. [Continue]
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
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
Upper Midwest bankers joined colleagues from around the country in Washington, D.C., just days after U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd introduced financial industry regulatory reform legislation. [Continue]
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
After two years of write-downs, credit quality is stabilizing at Milwaukee’s Marshall & Ilsley Corporation, clearing a path for the $58 billion holding company to return to profitability. [Continue]
A reduction in Federal Home Loan Bank advances was anticipated by industry analysts; it was confirmed by year-end reports filed by the 12 Home Loan Banks. [Continue]