The Internet is proving, once again, to be a useful conduit for global networking and capitalism. Las... >>more

One of the key attributes of successful investors is their ability to identify and then capitalize on major trends in the financial markets. We are now inundated with so much financial information on a daily basis — it is almost numbing — that I think it becomes more and more difficult to see the forest because there are simply too many trees. This month’s column is all about the forest. One of m... >>more

As one of the first banks to offer automobile loans to the subprime credit population, Crescent Bank and Trust, New Orleans, currently collects on more than $350 million in outstanding automobile loans to customers across all 50 states.  Comprised of 300 employees based in 35 branch offices in 14 states, Crescent Bank and Trust has developed a profitable subprime lending program that provides... >>more

Most community banks have traditionally stayed out of the rewards space. But nowadays, faced with increasing competition from larger banks and mono-lines, forward-thinking community bank executives should give serious thought to adopting loyalty strategies appropriate for their institutions’ size and customer base. Loyalty programs address two key challenges all bankers currently face: boosting ... >>more

Sometimes we make things more difficult than we should. Using the vernacular K.I.S.S., or Keep It Simple Stupid, strikes me as pertinent when thinking about the importance of retaining key talent in the current banking environment, especially when there is a premium for talent at all levels. What is most important about retaining key talent? Let me ask you this, what’s most important about maintai... >>more

In the not-too-distant future, the operative phrase will be payments convergence: more choices at the point of transactions, minimal distinction between payment types, wider array of financial entities from which to choose and less need for physical contact for financial services. Unfortunately, the traditional organizational structure of banks — with well-defined departments, entrenched managemen... >>more

Management was able to get a closer look at what it needs to know in an ultra-competitive banking environment during the Tri-State Leadership and Human Resources Conference March 5–6 in Overland Park, Kan. The conference, co-sponsored by the Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska Bankers associations, provided tools and references for bank leaders to handle hiring, background checks, employee development, ... >>more

In his speech at the Independent Community Bankers of America convention in Orlando last month, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke offered a suggestion to aid homeowners in this difficult economic time: Lenders could write down the principal. Bernanke said homeowners with low or negative equity have less ability and less incentive to try to remain in the home, therefore interest rate reductions... >>more

The current economic downturn should be called a solvency crisis, according Chris Kuehl of Armada Corporate Intelligence, Kansas City. Speaking at an economic forum for small business owners sponsored by Kansas City-based Country Club Bank, Kuehl said there currently is a lack of trust among banks. Each bank is asking “Are other banks doing as well as they say?” That is why the interest rate reduc... >>more

Most community banks have traditionally stayed out of the rewards space. But nowadays, faced with increasing competition from larger banks and mono-lines, forward-thinking community bank executives should give serious thought to adopting loyalty strategies appropriate for their institutions’ size and customer base. Loyalty programs address two key challenges all bankers currently face: boosting ... >>more