Oklahoma Banker

May 2019

• May 12, 2019

  Executive News: What’s next?

  At some point recently, you’ve probably asked yourself, “What’s next for banking?” I know I’ve asked that question many times as the run-up to the 2020 elections gets more crowded. The political turmoil coming out of Washington dominates the daily headlines and makes up most of the lead stories on the evening n ews. But one thing I have noticed …
• May 12, 2019

  Bankers Hall of Fame accepting nominations

  Nominations for induction into the Oklahoma Bankers Hall of Fame are now being taken and may be made by any bank employee of an OBA-member bank. The Oklahoma Bankers Hall of Fame has been 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 …

April 2019

• April 10, 2019

  Executive News: Frustrated

  Earlier this month, some 20 Oklahoma bankers joined me at the ABA Summit in Washington. This year’s summit was the largest Summit ever for ABA – more than 1,300 bankers and state association folks gathered to discuss some of the pressing issues of the day. We heard from the chairpersons of the respective committees that have jurisdiction over your business …
• April 10, 2019

  Real time payments: Does Fed have a role?

  As technological advancements have been introduced into the mainstream of commerce, more and more consumers are asking for development of a faster payments system, one that responds in “real time.” It’s the new norm of consumer expectations and bankers across the country are engaging with each other to determine the best course of action. Today there is only one provider …
• April 10, 2019

  OBA Convention set for next month in Edmond

  One of the soldiers responsible for the capture of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, as well as a noted entrepreneur, businessman and CEO are slated as bookend keynote speakers at this year’s OBA Convention and Trade Show. The 2019 OBA Convention and Trade Show will feature former U.S. Army Delta Force member Eric Maddox as the opening keynote speaker, and Clifton …

March 2019

• March 14, 2019

  Executive News: Rambling thoughts …

  As I’ve watched the debut of the 116th Congress unfold, I’m having strange thoughts about what I’m actually watching. And why. For example, every day I see lots of video clips and featured stories about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) – more than 445 articles on FoxNews.com alone since Jan. 3. More recently, I’ve been reading and listening to stories about …
• March 14, 2019

  Banking industry continues strong reports in fourth quarter

  Commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation reported aggregate net income of $59.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018, up $33.8 billion (133.4 percent) from a year ago. The improvement in net income was led by higher net operating revenue and lower income tax expenses. Financial results for the fourth quarter of 2018 are …
• March 14, 2019

  OBA Women in Banking luncheon in March

  The 2019 Women in Banking Luncheon, set for March 28 in Oklahoma City, will feature guest speaker Natalie Bartholomew. Bartholomew, with Grand Savings Bank, launched the Girl Banker blog in November 2017 in hopes of creating a voice for women in banking and working moms. Also know as “The Girl Banker,” she will lead the empowering luncheon titled “Navigating Through …

February 2019

• February 15, 2019

  Executive News: Hemp legalization: Where are we?

  The headline above poses a good question. And my answer is, “I’m not sure.” What I do know is that in April, Gov. Fallin signed HB 2913, the “Oklahoma Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program,” into law, and that changes the landscape as to what banks may and may not do going forward. Honestly, I didn’t pay much attention at the …
• February 15, 2019

  Understanding current process for growing hemp

  Last month’s passage of the 2018 Farm Bill was a huge, bipartisan accomplishment, according to its supporters. Others? Maybe not so much. One of the things it did accomplish was decriminalizing hemp, which is technically identified as Cannabis sativa L. Again, a HUGE bipartisan accomplishment. Or not, depending on your view of what it means to “legalize” hemp. We’ve had …