Oklahoma Banker

November 2020

• November 11, 2020

  Fed maintains rates as recovery continues

  The Federal Reserve will keep its target range for the federal funds rate at zero to 0.25% as the economy remains well below levels of output seen at the start of the year, even as economic recovery continues, the Federal Open Market Committee said on Nov. 5. The committee said it expects to maintain that range until the labor market …

October 2020

• October 11, 2020

  Executive News: Four weeks out, all is well … ?

  … umm … maybe. Maybe not. The upcoming election is about four weeks away. This year has been interesting/challenging, to say the least. That being the case, I have just a couple of quick election-related observations. The Trump Administration seems to be in the crosshairs of this dreaded COVID-19 virus: First it was Hope Hicks; then it was the president …
• October 11, 2020

  ABA, OBA create voting toolkit

  It’s officially October, and news on the presidential election is on every corner. The conversation has taken over social media, television and even the dinner table. While talking about the election is a great way to educate yourself and others, the most essential part is exercising your right to vote. The American Bankers Association has teamed with the Oklahoma Bankers …

September 2020

• September 22, 2020

  Executive News: Next big hurdle: DEI, compliance concerns

  We’ve all been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, some more than others. As many of you who read this column know, my wife and I have been self-quarantined since mid-March. Most days I work from home and I find the environment surprisingly calm and productive. On at least a weekly basis, I go to the office when no one else …
• September 22, 2020

  Navigating work absences due to closed schools

  Crowe & Dunlevy As the school year begins, Oklahoma’s banks once again face the challenge of accommodating the need for employees to be home to care for school-age children due to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article focuses on the relevant paid leave mandates of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the challenges caused by the varying …
• September 22, 2020

  Pandemic strikes banks’ net income in second quarter

  On August 25, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation reported the banking industry saw a 70 percent decline in net income when compared to net income in 2019. The Agency said liquidity and capital levels remain strong enough to meet loan demand and absorb any losses in the future. Although economic stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect bank …

August 2020

• August 23, 2020

  Executive News: Forgiveness: How’s that supposed to work?

  In spite of the persistence of our COVID-19 problems, the process of getting back to “normal” grinds on. Slowly, to be sure, but slowly, nevertheless. In the meantime, the banking industry remains right in the middle of the discus sion about the Paycheck Protection Act, specifically as it relates to forgiveness. I think Congress is right to focus on forgiveness …
• August 23, 2020

  Emerging Leaders Academy now accepting applications

  Take note the OBA 2020-21 Emerging Leaders Academy is currently accepting applications. We’re looking for the best and brightest bankers who seek to sharpen their leadership skills. The Academy will help you reach new heights with powerful speakers offering information leaders need for effectively maneuvering in today’s business climate. Each session helps participants become true leaders by understanding those around …
• August 23, 2020

  Community banks can also find COVID relief in captive insurance

  By Joshua Miller & David Guerino KeyState Captive Management, LLC COVID-19 presents significant challenges for U.S. businesses across every industry, and community banks have had to respond to some unique circumstances. As we focus on moving toward recovery, nearly everyone agrees some changes to operating environments will be permanent and this is the “new normal.” When community banks adjust to …

July 2020

• July 18, 2020

  Executive News: Taking your eyes off the ball

  Just about every banker I know, and certainly every bankers’ trade association I know, has been up to his/her/their eyeballs in Paycheck Protection Program matters – loans, guarantees, forgiveness applications and so forth since April. Four separate pieces of legislation have been passed by this Congress dealing with the subject, followed by several sets of (very confusing) rules and regulations …