Results include
Podcasts
Jan 30, 2024
In this episode of Banking Out Loud, hear discussions on the value of performance reviews and how to effectively prepare for them with Laurie Battaglia, CEO of Aligned at Work. Laurie touches on the importance of the performance review format and frequency, shares tips for employees on how to prepare, the role of managers, the importance of continuous improvement in the performance review process and more.
Economic Indicators
Jun 27, 2023
Bottom Line: Home prices rose sharply more than expected in April, with all but one major market (Phoenix) seeing higher prices. Colder markets, which had some of the weakest price performance even before 2022's downturn, including Cleveland, New York, and...
Feb 22, 2024
Although annual performance reviews are the norm at most companies, many employees dread the process. Changing your CFI’s approach to performance reviews and how often they happen can be the key to more effective discussions and better feedback. Read on for tips on how to optimize the review process and help employees and managers alike find more value in these meetings.
Nov 3, 2022
When employers have four-year college degree requirements for open positions, they exclude more than 60% of the working population. By focusing on the skills required to perform a job rather than on applicants’ education and credentials, employers may be able to improve diversity and performance while filling open positions.
Apr 27, 2022
Return on Experience (ROX) is a fairly new metric for financial institutions. Yet, one survey has found it to be a powerful metric. The study found that financial institutions that grew 10% or more had stronger ROX programs than those that didn’t. We explore this new performance metric.
Jul 21, 2022
Boards of directors have essential monitoring and advisory responsibilities that affect their organizations’ performance. In an ideal world, a corporate board would have a strong culture and contribute to the success of the organization. A recent survey of smaller banks found that less than half of their boards met that standard.
May 6, 2022
Community financial institutions are looking for lending opportunities. Yet, they may not naturally think about mobile home lending as a means to grow their loan portfolio. But, this sector had a stellar performance last year. In 2021 alone, more than $3B in mobile home loans were issued, which is higher than anything experienced in this market in the past 5Ys. We explore this hot lending segment further.
Oct 5, 2022
Data analytics offer community financial institutions an opportunity to increase customer engagement, improve profitability, and grow revenue. We take a look at some of the analytics capabilities that can deliver on this promise and give you some tips on how to build them.
Jun 14, 2022
In the wake of the ongoing talent shortage across the country, outsourcing has become increasingly popular as companies struggle to find qualified candidates. In 2020 alone, nearly 70% of businesses turned to outsourcing. Though outsourcing may not be for everyone, the changing nature of work has made it a more appealing option that CFIs may want to consider — we go into detail.
Apr 16, 2024
The OCC and FDIC have each proposed rules to enhance transparency around their processes of reviewing M&A transactions under the Bank Merger Act. We summarize the details of each agency’s proposal and provide resources to review and comment on the suggested changes.
Apr 8, 2024
The commercial real estate sector experienced significant headwinds during 2023. Fortunately, early signs suggest a more stable, and in some cases positive, market in 2024. We review the outlook for the industry and suggest ways in which CFIs can manage risk and continue to support their CRE customers.
Mar 19, 2024
CFIs don’t need to spend massive amounts of money on technology to remain competitive against the banking industry’s largest players — they just need to be strategic and intentional when it comes to where they spend on technology and the steps they are taking to prepare for the future.
Mar 13, 2024
The gig economy is a fast-growing sector that CFIs cannot afford to ignore. We discuss some of the primary ways in which institutions can ensure they meet the needs of these self-employed customers.
Mar 5, 2024
Higher interest rates and the cost burden they impose are driving a cycle of deleveraging and cash conservation at many companies. Small business owners are balancing the need to offset higher interest expenses and lessened credit availability while also addressing competing demands for strategic growth. We provide tips for how CFIs can help their business customers align their capital with their strategic plans.
Feb 27, 2024
It’s not clear if or when the CRE market will return to pre-pandemic levels, but experts say there are steps that banks with significant exposure to the space can take to help mitigate losses. We suggest five ways to navigate the slump.
Feb 21, 2024
The OCC recently published its autumn statement on key risks facing the federal banking system. We summarize these risks and suggest ways CFIs can mitigate them to improve their institution’s resilience.
Feb 12, 2024
Due to an aging population, demand for senior housing is expected to grow. As occupancy rates rise and margins improve following a pandemic slump, investment in the sector should rebound. We consider the lending environment, the size of the opportunity, and what it takes for a CFI to succeed in this market.
Jan 16, 2024
The Great Resignation may be over, but CFIs should still find ways to attract and retain hard-working employees — especially those who are excited to grow their careers within the institution. CFIs looking for ideas to accomplish this can emulate the 2023 winners of best banks and companies to work for.
Jan 3, 2024
Finding the right amount to award your executives for bonuses can be a challenge. Compensation committees that use discretion in determining incentive payouts risk receiving criticism from investors and proxy advisory firms, whose policies tend to prefer formulaic incentive plans. However, discretion is an important feature of many banks’ annual incentive plans that, if used appropriately, can enhance the relationship between executive and CFI.
Dec 19, 2023
The Community Reinvestment Act is getting modernized with the issuance of a new rule that reflects how the delivery of financial services has vastly changed in nearly 50Ys. We delve into the details, particularly how the new rule will impact community banks and what they should do to prepare for the first phase of implementation, slated for 2026.