FDIC Quarterly Report

GA Banks' Earnings Improve by $608 Million

Georgia's banks earned $423 million in the first quarter of 2012, an improvement of $608 million compared to a loss of $185 million during the same quarter of 2011. The quarter's results were the first time since 2008 the industry reported a collective first quarter profit. More banks saw improved income, with 79 percent of banks profitable compared to 62 percent in the first quarter of 2011, and  63 percent reporting earnings gains for the quarter, compared to 51 percent a year ago. Credit quality continued to get better, with net charge offs down significantly, $657 million compared to $1.1 billion over the same period last year. The percentage of noncurrent loans continued to trend downward, as well. To learn more and see long-term trends, link to the information in a chart for a cumulative, year-to-date summary through the end of each quarterly reporting period for the past year...

ATM Bill Introduced in Senate, GBA Supports

We continue to support efforts to repeal the outdated requirement that a placard must be attached to ATMs stating that a fee may be charged, a rule that duplicates messages required on screens and that has led to at least four lawsuits in Georgia. Last week a bill to remove that requirement was introduced in the U.S. Senate (S. 3204). We sent letters to Sens. Isakson and Chambliss asking for their support of the bill and are pleased to report that both readily agreed to become a cosponsor. Read the letters and learn about support of the companion legislation in the U.S. House...

Isakson	Chambliss

Community Bankers Committee Meeting Notes

General business conditions, real estate lending, shared tips for complying with regulatory guidance for appraisals and evaluations, and defining realistic investor expectations were among the many topics discussed at this week's meeting of the GBA Community Bankers Committee. Led by incoming committee Chair Ed Cooney, President, Affinity Bank, Atlanta; and incoming Vice Chair John Lewis, CEO, Verity Bank, Winder, the committee met to discuss key issues and plan the 2012 GBA President and CEO Conference coming up Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 at the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, in Greensboro, GA. Look for details soon about the conference agenda, and please let us know if you have items you want to be considered for the programming. Contact Susie McGehee with questions, 404.420.2010.

Foreclosure Avoidance Event in Atl. June 1-2

If you have customers or know of people in the community who need foreclosure avoidance assistance, here's a resource you can share. On June 1-2, the HOPE NOW Alliance of large mortgage servicers and financial counselors is offering a free foreclosure and financial assistance event in Atlanta at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC). The event is from 1-8 p.m. on June 1, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 2. Learn more about the foreclosure event and how it could help your affected customers...

Compensation and Benefits Survey Now Active

At the Community Bankers Committee meeting this week, they discussed the importance of having reasonable, fair and attractive compensation and benefits packages to retain and recruit high-quality team members. With that in mind, we're pleased to be rolling out the 2012 GBA Compensation and Benefits Survey. You can participate now to help your bank and others get a firm grasp on the state of our industry's pay and benefits practices heading into budget season. The deadline for completing the survey is June 29. Participation is free, and if you do participate, you can get a copy of the results for the discounted price of only $150 when they're available in the late summer or early fall.  What will you get for your investment? Click here to find out and participate...

Prepaid Cards Draw CFPB Rulemaking, Under-banked a Focus

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued and advance notice of proposed rulemaking about how to ensure prepaid card offerings are secure and the terms and fees are easily understood. Bureau chief Richard Cordray said the rulemaking is important because the cards have become popular alternative products for many consumers who might not want or be able to open other accounts. Traditional banks have begun developing specific prepaid card and other programs specifically to meet the needs of these under-banked or unbanked consumers. Read more about the proposed rulemaking dealing with prepaid cards here...

Consumer Finances Improving, Auto Lending Grows

Write-offs on non-home finance products such as credit cards and auto loans have declined to their lowest level in six years, according to GBA Associate Member Equifax. Non-home finance write-off dollars year-to-date through April have decreased 52 percent according to Equifax's April National Consumer Credit Trends Report. The write-offs have decreased to $26.2 billion as of April 2012 from $54.1 billion in April 2009. Auto loan balances are increasing following the trend in rising auto sales. As of April 2012, the number of outstanding auto loans is at 57 million, the highest since January 2010. Click here to access more news about consumer finance trends from Equifax...

Featured AIB Diploma

Bank Financial Management Diploma Available

This diploma is designed for individuals who are involved in the financial management of their bank, including junior officers up through CEOs, CFOs and other senior officers making key decisions that affect bank profitability. The courses required for this diploma cover the analysis of bank performance, the measurement and management of interest rate risk, and the management of funding, liquidity and capital. Candidates should have an understanding of accounting and financial markets before beginning the required courses. Experience in the use of electronic spreadsheets is helpful but not required. See the required courses for the AIB Bank Financial Management Diploma...

Key GBA Event Reminders

Newsmakers

Read about all the Georgia Bankers making news this week...

Chumbler	Patterson

Read All About It: Send Us Your News

Please remember to include the Georgia Bankers Association on the list of recipients for announcements about promotions, new employees and special recognition your bank has received. We want to share your news with your colleagues across the state. Please forward your announcements and photos to GBA's David Oliver and Bogan Brannen.