Oklahoma Banker

September 2020

• 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 …
• July 18, 2020

  Second phase of OBRP slated to start this month

  The Oklahoma Department of Commerce announced a second phase of the Oklahoma Business Relief Program, which will begin later this month. Phase II of the OBRP is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14. Another $50 million has been designated for use in the Program. Additionally, when sending in OBRP applications, the Department of Commerce mentioned frequent …
• July 18, 2020

  PPP extended into August

  The Paycheck Protection Program was extended through Aug. 8 after a measure passed through the U.S. Senate and House early this month and was signed by President Trump. The U.S. House of Representatives approved an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program on July 1, only hours after the U.S. Senate approved the measure to extend the Paycheck Protection Program. The …
• July 18, 2020

  Oklahoma Bankers Hall of Fame taking nominations

  The OBA will be taking nominations for 2020 Oklahoma Bankers Hall of Fame inductees through the middle of July. The Hall of Fame was created by the OBA Board of Directors to honor individual bankers for their contributions to the banking industry and the State of Oklahoma. In addition, the Hall of Fame is intended to recognize bankers’ achievements on …

June 2020

• June 22, 2020

  Executive News: Food production, banking and beyond

  I recently read an article written by Evan Sparks, who is the editor-in-chief of the ABA Banking Journal and vice president for publications at the American Bankers Association. His article hit home and stirred up some memories for me – some good, most bad. Years ago, I was the director of the D epartment of Banking and Finance in Nebraska. …
• June 22, 2020

  Lawton’s Walker takes OBA chairman reins

  Rick Walker, vice chairman and CEO of Liberty National Bank in Lawton, was inducted as the 2020-21 chairman of the Oklahoma Bankers Association during a video conference on May 19. Walker has been with his bank for almost 15 years. He began his banking career in 1987 working in various aspects of lending and management. He holds a bachelor’s in …