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IBAT News
Banking Industry Differences
IBAT Members Weigh In On Main Street vs. Wall Street
IBAT for years has been espousing the absolute necessity of recognizing the stark differences that have evolved in the banking industry. Tiered regulation, recognizing that the risk profiles, activities and cultures of community banks and the too-big-to-fail conglomerates are dramatically different, is critical to ensure a future for our successful and important business model.
Two community bankers have weighed in on this issue over the past weeks. First, Tom Frost, Chairman Emeritus of Frost Bank, appeared before a Subcommittee of the Senate Banking Committee in Washington, DC on May 9. Mr. Frost made an eloquent and impassioned plea for separation of “traditional” banking from the more risky investment banking and other activities of the largest banks, much of which contributed to the recent meltdown. The hearing video is available online, and we believe you will appreciate Mr. Frost’s comments. His testimony starts at the 99:30 mark, and questions from the Senators commence at the 127:00 mark.
A blog by an attorney for a pharmaceutical company, Lee Cusenbary, in the San Antonio Express News not only recaps Mr. Frost’s testimony, but provides some interesting and relevant observations.
Additionally, former IBAT Chairman and President and CEO of HomeTown Bank, N.A. in Galveston, Jimmy Rasmussen, provided a thoughtful guest column to the Galveston Daily News that appeared on May 17. Jimmy, in a very understandable fashion, uses the recent JP Morgan Chase trading blunder to point out yet again the differences in the Main Street vs. Wall Street business models.
27th Annual Leadership Conference
Top 10 Reasons to Attend
Don't miss the only conference for bankers like you, built by bankers like you!
Registration for the 27th Annual IBAT Leadership Conference, June 14 - 16 at The Woodlands Resort is now open! Here are just a few reasons you won't want to miss this year's event! See the full Conference brochure.
Top 10 Reasons to Come to Leadership Conference
#10 Learn practical, actionable leadership strategies.
#9 Non-traditional sessions that will spark your creativity and get you fired up!
#8 Peer-to-peer networking with senior-level bankers and vendors who share your challenges.
#7 Leadership lessons from Marine Rifle Company Commander Jim Bearden and Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Danny White.
#6 No pretense (flip flops encouraged)!
#5 Develop community with other banking leaders without judgment or competition.
#4 Extreme ROI like no other industry conference! We focus on what matters to you, because it matters to us, too.
#3 A family environment with the perfect blend of education and fun.
#2 An inside look into the most pressing compliance issues with IBAT General Counsel Karen Neeley.
#1 We can't reveal the details, but we can say that a major event at Leadership Conference will be like nothing you've ever experienced at an industry conference before, and we think you'll agree that it is a game-changer.
Welcome Gordon Moore
IBAT Services' New VP of Business Development
IBAT Services is proud to announce the addition of Gordon Moore as the new vice president of business development. In this role, Moore will proactively pursue new endorsement opportunities and manage existing relationships with the IBAT-endorsed service providers. Moore's addition to the team will further enhance IBAT Services' commitment of "enhancing profitability of community banks by marketing quality products and services."
"Our member banks rely on IBAT Services more than ever in today's competitive market and Gordon Moore's leadership on the IBAT Services team will be beneficial to all," Curt Nelson, IBAT Services President, said. "His proven ability to identify strategic partnerships and build relationships will be invaluable."
Moore brings to IBAT Services six years of experience helping a variety of companies achieve their legislative, regulatory and business goals. His past experience includes working with companies in the telecommunications, private equity and government sectors. Most recently, Moore held the position of account executive at Public Strategies, Inc. In this role, he developed internal and external communications strategies for clients' corporate citizenship and sustainability initiatives. Moore also worked on site at a Fortune 50 global telecommunications leader, reporting directly to the vice president of public affairs.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in government with a minor in business from The University of Texas at Austin. Gordon is also very active in the Austin Young Men's Business League and currently serves as the League's Vice President of Communications.
IBAT Weighs In
IBAT Weighs in on TAB/Credit Unions Business Lending Thresholds
Responding to a recent endorsement of expanded credit union business lending thresholds by the Texas Association of Business, IBAT President and CEO Chris Williston submitted a letter (scheduled to appear in today's edition) to the Houston Chronicle expressing our concerns.
"There is so much more to this story than what is presented by the credit union industry," said Williston. "We find their entire argument full of holes, and consider the claims of additional job creation and new loans available to small businesses highly suspect at best. Some credit unions seem to want the best of all worlds, and we strongly believe that those wishing to be banks should convert."
IBAT contacted the Texas Association of Business in May, 2010 when they first indicated support for expanded credit union member business lending, and offered to meet with them to present our counter arguments. The association rejected our offer. And while we are obviously disappointed in their position on this issue, IBAT will continue to work vigorously to oppose any efforts of credit unions to expand their commercial lending activities so long as they remain tax exempt institutions.
Due Diligence Comment Letter
IBAT Comments on FinCEN Proposal for Customer Due Diligence Regulation
IBAT issued a comment letter on FinCEN's proposal to develop a customer due diligence ("CDD") regulation. This new proposed CDD regulation is an attempt to bring "uniformity and consistency" in already established mandates such as "know your customer" and "customer identification program." It includes an expanded focus that also addresses two significant issues - customers acting as agents, and obtaining information on a beneficial owner. There is some serious doubt if the information that would be required would prove valuable in a bank's BSA/AML efforts or would assist in any legitimate law enforcement needs. IBAT feels the proposal is very problematic and will have serious unforeseen consequences for overly-burdened community banks.
Vote!
Ealy Voting is May 14-May 25
The primary elections are underway . . . early voting started May 14, and runs through May 25. Election Day is Tuesday, May 29. You can easily access early voting and Election Day polling locations by going to your County Clerk’s website.
As you have read previously, we have endorsed and contributed to David Dewhurst in his campaign for United States Senate.
Additionally, the IBAT PAC has contributed in a number of open seat races in Texas Senate and House contests. In the Texas Senate, we have made contributions to Ken Paxton (SD 8), Charles Schwertner (SD 5) and Larry Taylor (SD 11). Open seat House candidates who have received PAC contributions from IBAT include Greg Bonnen (HD 24), Tony Dale (HD 136), James Frank (HD 69), John Raney (HD 14), Justin Rodriguez (HD 125) and Ed Thompson (HD 29). All of these contributions were made after surveys were sent to IBAT members in these districts. Several additional contributions are in process, and will be made prior to the May 29 primary elections.
Please feel free to call or email Steve Scurlock if you have any questions or comments, and please vote and encourage those in your circle of influence to do the same.
Mother's Day
IBAT Wishes You a Happy Mother's Day!
This weekend we honor Mothers everywhere. Thanks to your attention to family and for all you do. Happy Mother's Day!
