August 28, 2009 


Quarterly Banking Profile: Credit Quality Remains Stressed, Capital Levels Are Up

It was no surprise this week when the FDIC reported continued declines in asset quality and increases in losses as part of its Quarterly Banking Profile. FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair pointed out these are not unusual results in the wake of significant economic stress. "Banking industry performance is -- as always -- a lagging indicator. The banking industry, too, can look forward to better times ahead. But, for now, the difficult and necessary process of recognizing loan losses and cleaning up balance sheets continues to be reflected in the industry's bottom line." Nationally, commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the FDIC reported an aggregate net loss of $3.7 billion in the second quarter of 2009. In Georgia, the story was similar. Year-to-date net income attributable to banks was a $1.8 billion loss. Year-to-date loan loss allowance, non-current loans and net charge offs all increased.
 

  “We expected to see this type of quarterly report because through the second quarter, the economic conditions in Georgia had not improved,” said Joe Brannen, GBA president and CEO. “Some of our banks continue to experience significant losses as well as to set aside reserves for possible losses. And, we know that the investment losses caused by the Silverton Bank closure on banks that were their investors and the FDIC special assessment of more than $133 million on our banks also were significant factors in this quarter’s results.” There are a few positive trends to note for the state, however. Georgia’s cost of funding is at its lowest point in more than a year, and capital ratios showed improvement. Total risk based capital for all banks increased for the second consecutive quarter and is above the level it was at the same time last year. See the chart below for more details. We're including more quarters than we usually do with this report so you can see the trend lines.

Measurement
(Year-to-date data)

Georgia
6/30/09

Georgia
3/31/09

Georgia
12/31/08

Georgia
9/31/08

Georgia
6/30/08

National
6/30/09

National
6/30/08

Institutions

324

328

334

339

354

8,195

8,451

Employees

49,024

50,054

50,848

51,729

54,140

2.1M

2.2M

Assets

$283.2B

$289.3B

$300.3B

$283.5B

$287.5B

13.3T

13.3T

Deposits

$213.7B

$216.9B

$209.3B

$207.4B

$208.5B

9T

$8.5T

Gross Loans and Leases

$211.9B

$214.1B

$215.5B

$218.5B

$217.7

$7.6T

$8T

% Profitable

43.21

55.49

51.8

59.29

66.38

64.94

55.15

Cost of Funding Earning Assets

1.83%

1.90%

2.51%

2.63%

2.74%

1.41%

2.67%

Net Interest Margin

3.03%

2.96%

3.18%

3.29%

3.27%

3.43%

3.35%

Net Income attributable to bank

-1.8B

-1.2B

$111.8M

1.2B

$942.5M

$2.6B

$24B

Return on Assets

-1.25%

-1.63%

0.04%

0.57%

0.66%

0.04%

0.36%

Return on Equity

-11.70%

-15.56%

0.39%

5.00%

5.82%

0.38%

3.55%

Loss Allowance/Loans

2.30%

2.15%

1.85%

1.59%

1.49%

2.77%

1.81%

Noncurrent Loans/Loans

5.54%

4.77%

4.06%

3.49%

3.03%

4.35%

2.08%

Equity Capital to Assets

10.62%

10.49%

10.48%

11.25%

11.15%

10.56%

10.16%

Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio

12.20%

11.87%

11.75%

11.77%

11.64%

13.76%

12.85%

Other Real Estate Owned

$2.8B

$2.5B

$2.2B

$1.92B

$1.5B

$34.1B

$19.9B

Net Charge-Offs

$2.5B

$1.1B

$2.8B

$1.7B

$945.8M

$86.5B

$46B

Net Charge Offs to Loans

2.33%

2.00%

1.31%

1.03%

0.88%

2.24%

1.16%


Resource: Help Reassure Consumers about the Strength of FDIC-Insurance
Your customers' insured deposits are fully protected by the FDIC-insurance fund. That’s a message that continues to need emphasis. This week’s release of the quarterly banking profile resulted in a number of news stories focusing on the fund balance and how it has been affected by bank closures of late. So, we’re sure employees, customers, family and friends have this on their minds. We’ve developed a Communications Guide with some facts and figures to help you explain that the fund remains solid.   In its quarterly banking report, FDIC said it has $42 billion in reserves to insure deposits from bank closures, with additional borrowing authority of up to $500 billion from the Treasury if necessary and the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. As FDIC Chairman Bair said, “No one has ever lost a penny of FDIC-Insured deposits, and no one ever will.” If you have questions, contact David Oliver, 404.420.2036.

FDIC Board Extends TAGP through Mid 2010, Rules on Private Equity Investment Criteria
The FDIC Board Wednesday voted unanimously to extend the Transaction Account Guarantee Program providing unlimited FDIC insurance to certain noninterest-bearing accounts to June 30 of next year and give banks a window to opt-out at the beginning of 2010. The extension includes a risk-based fee structure for participating banks that would charge a range of 15 to 25 basis points, according to risk category. GBA had filed a comment letter encouraging the extension and we were pleased with the extension.   In another important decision, the board approved a final policy statement about qualifications for failed bank acquisitions. The policy sets capital and ownership standards that private equity groups must meet to buy banks in FDIC receivership. The board set a capital standard ratio of Tier-1 common equity to total assets of 10%. The original proposal for this ratio was 15%. The policy also requires equity investors to hold their investment position in closed-bank acquisition for three years, which was the original proposal. With questions, contact Joe Brannen, 404.420.2026, or Elizabeth Chandler, 404.420.2027.

Regulatory Reform Update: A Look at CFPA Proponents

The proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency legislation has more than its fair share of proponents out there telling their side of the story. An article in a recent edition of the Washington Post profiled Americans for Financial Reform, which we told you about in an earlier Bulletin, a coalition of nearly 200 organizations deeply committed to enacting legislation to create the Consumer Financial Protection Agency. “We know what true comprehensive financial reform is, and we aren't going to stop until we get it,” said coalition Director Heather Booth.

  Of particular interest is that the group has hired a communications firm, is developing a national advertising strategy and is conducting grassroots activities in key states. As we’ve noted in previous Bulletins, GBA opposes the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency and the elimination of thrift and mutual charters. We continue to urge you to share your concerns with your representative during the August Congressional recess. We sent member CEOs some background information a couple of weeks ago that may be helpful during those discussions. With questions, contact Joe Brannen, 404.420.2026, or Elizabeth Chandler, 404.420,2027.

Comments Sought on Accounting Standards for Securitized Assets, other Off-Balance-Sheet Items
Federal banking and thrift regulatory agencies are seeking comment on a proposed regulatory capital rule related to the Financial Accounting Standards Board's adoption of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 166 and 167. Beginning in 2010, these accounting standards will make substantive changes to how banking organizations account for many items, including securitized assets, that are currently excluded from these organizations' balance sheets. Banking organizations affected by the new accounting standards generally will be subject to higher minimum regulatory capital requirements.   The agencies’ proposal seeks comment and supporting data on whether a phase-in of the increase in regulatory capital requirements is needed. It also seeks comment and supporting data on the features and characteristics of transactions that, although consolidated under the new accounting standards, might merit an alternative capital treatment, as well as on the potential impact of the new accounting standards on lending, provisioning and other activities. Comments on all aspects of the proposed rule are due within 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register, which is expected shortly. With questions, contact Elizabeth Chandler, 404.420.2027.

2009 BankPAC Campaign Update
Since our last update, the officers, directors and staff of HeritageBank of the South, Albany, Len Dorminey, CEO, have contributed to the GBA FedPAC. The following companies have contributed to the GBA StatePAC:
  • HeritageBank of the South, Albany, Len Dorminey, CEO

  • Pelham Banking Company, Suzanne Anderson, CEO

  • South Georgia Banking Company, Tifton, Pait Willis, CEO

  The contribution forms can be downloaded here. Please see the BankPAC Update for year to date contributions by group. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Chandler at 404.420.2027.

 


 Countdown to Fall Economic Forums Hits Two-Week Mark, Reserve Your Seat Now

Just a reminder that GBA’s Fall Economic Forums are less than two weeks away!  Don’t miss the opportunity to hear timely overview of the current national and regional economic environment from Dr. Roger Tutterow, professor of Economics at Mercer University in Atlanta. Georgia Banking Commissioner Rob Braswell will also be on hand to discuss current issues in bank regulation, the banking climate from the Department’s view and answer your most pressing questions. 

 

New this year, a panel comprised of local business leaders will also share their insight on the business climates in their communities.  These forums will be held Sept. 9 at Doublegate Country Club in Albany, Sept. 10 at Savannah Quarters in Savannah and Sept. 22 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta.  A luncheon and the opportunity to network with your colleagues will follow the meetings. With questions, please contact GBA’s Susie McGehee at 404.420.2010.


GBAU-Edge Publication Coming Next Week

Be on the lookout in your inbox next week for the next edition of GBAU-Edge, our monthly e-publication focusing on education and professional development.

  You’ll get an in-depth look at all of our upcoming programs that can help you, your bank and your co-workers continue to provide the highest-quality banking for your customers and shareholders.

Georgia Banking School Special: First-Year Students Can save $125 by Registering before Jan. 1
The annual early registration special is now available to first-year students who register for the Georgia Banking School before Jan. 1, 2010.   First-year students will save $125. Call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at 404.420.2032 for details.

Sign up Now for Southern Operations & Technology School
The Southern Operations & Technology School is the most comprehensive resource in the southeast for bank operations and technology training. This year’s session is scheduled for Nov. 1-6 at the University of Georgia in Athens. The primary goals of the school are to strengthen management skills, increase awareness of regulatory and compliance issues, and expose students to current and future technologies and products.   The school will help students develop an understanding of the interrelatedness of key operations areas and how they contribute to the bank’s profitability, as well as promote an understanding of other functional areas of the bank and how bank operations affect those areas. For more details or to register, please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at 404.420.2032.

2009-2010 Bank Security Academy Scheduled
Look for full details next week about GBA’s 2009-2010 Bank Security Academy. The Security Committee has carefully planned the curriculum for this popular GBA University offering. The curriculum includes topics in which every security officer should be trained. These topics include bank robbery procedures, physical security, employee investigations, effective information security management, fraud and compliance.   The Academy consists of five sessions scheduled throughout the year plus the annual conference. The brochure with all the dates and details will be included in next week’s Bulletin. For more information, please call GBA’s Marybeth Jones at 404.420.2032 or Courtenay Pope at 404.420.2015.

Fraud Alert: Watch out for ACH Batch Fraud
We haven’t heard any specific anecdotes about Georgia ACH Batch fraud, but another state banking Association recently shared some information about ACH batch fraud being on the rise there. So, we thought it was worth giving a head’s up to all of you. This scam starts with a customer (usually corporate) whose computer gets infected with a keylogger virus, causing every keystroke to go unencrypted to an unintended source. The fraudsters collect data such as account numbers and passwords, then use this to initiate an ACH batch from that customer to banks across the United States. The money will be dumped into accounts where they have already hooked someone into believing they are "working-at-home." The customer receiving the funds has already given their account information out with hopes of getting rich redistributing funds for a company overseas. In reality, they are instructed to wire the funds as soon as they are received, keeping a small percentage for their "work." The funds will then be in the hands of fraudsters who are out of country and cannot be easily investigated and prosecuted. The trail of money is especially difficult to trace when funds are wired through Western Union.   Losses before detection of the fraudulent ACH batch often rise to the $150,000 to $200,000 range, but smaller amounts are being reported. If you or your customer detects the fraud immediately after funds are wired, you have a good chance of recovering the funds. If, however, the fraud has been going on as long as even a day or two, there can be substantial unrecoverable losses. These losses are usually taken by the customer, but some bankers have opted to take the losses themselves rather than have the bad publicity that could accompany a large loss to a customer. It is common to see school districts targeted this way and their budgets are usually strained anyway without this type of loss. Consumer education, employee training and up-to-date information security software and procedures are the keys to stopping this type of fraud. Here’s a link to a good background resource. And, don’t forget that GBA has resources that can help you prevent fraud, such as the FinCrime online fraud alert system, Gladiator Technology, a GBA Strategic Partner, and a number of Associate Members offering security and IT services.

Provide Your Company with Flood Zone Relief for Challenging Times
During the best of times, lenders seek reliable, easy-to-use services offered at a fair price. In a turbulent financial climate, these requests quickly turn into critical needs. GBA Strategic Partner Federal Flood Certification Corp. calms the Flood Zone Determination process through its cost-effective approach that protects lenders, expedites the closing process, and helps the bottom line. Federal Flood offers:
  • Easy Access to fully transferable Life of Loan certificates

  • Free Letter of Map Amendment and Letter of Map Revision

  • Free Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data

  • Free rush service

 
  • Customized billing and reporting

  • No setup charges or monthly minimums

Federal Flood maintains an experienced staff and a commitment to the latest in technology, providing readily available expertise and support through a variety of platforms. For more information, please call Federal Flood’s Ed Mclin at 214.441.5903 or GBA’s Levi Crabtree at 404.420.2022.


More Flood Insurance News: Regulators Seek Comment on Flood Insurance Q&As 

The federal bank, thrift, credit union and Farm Credit System regulatory agencies released revised interagency questions and answers regarding flood insurance and requested public comment on several new ones. The Interagency Questions and Answers Regarding Flood Insurance (2009) consist of 77 questions and answers, which were revised based in part of comments received during the public comment period.   The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve Board, National Credit Union Administration, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Office of Thrift Supervision, and Farm Credit Administration invite comment on the five proposed questions and answers and, more generally, on other issues and concerns about compliance with the federal flood insurance statutes and regulations. Comments specific to the proposed questions and answers are requested by Sep. 21, 2009. Please use the Federal Register notice with instructions about how to submit comments.

Do you know which customers are generating a profit for your bank?

We know our members are under increasing pressure to maximize your bottom line profit. However, many banks are unable to identify the customers who are generating their profit. If you do not know who is generating profit, it is difficult to effectively manage your bank’s bottom line. GBA Strategic Partner Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FNIS) can provide you with the capability of knowing who your most profitable customers are and will assist you in developing a plan to retain these customers. Fidelity will customize their profitability module, CONNECTIONS, for your bank to accurately calculate the profitability of each account each month.  You will not only be able to identify which customers are profitable, you will also receive a comprehensive analysis of the profitability of your bank through the following reports:

Profit by Decile - Displays the most-profitable to least-profitable customers.

 

Profit by Portfolio - Displays the loan, deposit and overall profit for all customers by employee.

Profit by Group - Displays customer profitability by category (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, etc.)

Profit by Location - Displays the current and average profit for each location.

Product Profit & Loss - Displays the number of accounts, balance and profit for each product. 

To ensure the accuracy of these reports, CONNECTIONS will provide a total profit for your bank and balance it to your general ledger each month. Click here to view an online demo of FNIS’ CONNECTIONS module. If you would like to learn more about CONNECTIONS, please contact Bill Armistead, Vice President of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., at 205.222.4003.


GBA Associate Member Search Feature Makes Finding a Good Vendor  Easy
GBA has almost two hundred Associate Members that support our industry and offer great products and services. We encourage you to think of them, as well as our Strategic Partners, when seeking a service provider or expert that you don't have on staff. Our web site offers a  handy feature to help. You can search for Associate Members by category.   There are 29 categories to search from, covering businesses types such as accounting to office furniture and everything in between. Give it a try next time you're on the hunt for a business partner. With questions about our Associate Member program, contact Kenyetta Parks, 404.420.2035.

Find a Job, Post a Job with GBA Job Bank
The Georgia Bankers Association offers free job posting resources for our member banks. These listings can be viewed online or through our bi-weekly publication included in the GBA Bulletin.   Resume postings are also available. For more information, please call Kenyetta Parks at 404.420.2035.

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 Lydia Thomas.

Newsmakers
 
   

Atlanta - Midtown Bank
Colleen Conaty
has joined the bank as Vice President and Treasury Manager and Randy Harris as Vice President and Commercial Banker.

Savannah - The Coastal Bank

Caroline "Tut" Sanford-Gee has joined the bank as Director of Human Resources.

 

Conaty

Harris

Sanford-Gee

Calendar of Events

Details for August & September

 

Conferences

 

Sept. 17-18 Compliance Conference Macon
Oct. 4-6 Bank Counsel Conference Greensboro
Oct. 4-6 President/CEO Conference Greensboro
Oct. 27-28 Marketing Conference Atlanta
Dec. 3-4 Credit Conference Atlanta
Jan. 20-21, 2010 Financial Risk Management Conference Atlanta
Mar. 2-3, 2010 Operations and Technology Conference Atlanta
Mar. 17-19, 2010 HR Professionals Institute Atlanta
Apr. 13-14, 2010 Security Conference Atlanta
May 13-14, 2010 Rural Development and Lending Conference Savannah
     

Conventions/Events

 

Sept. 9 Fall Economic Forum Albany
Sept. 10 Fall Economic Forum Savannah
Sept. 22 Fall Economic Forum Atlanta
     
 

Schools

 

Nov. 1-6 Southern Operations and Technology School Athens
Feb. 22-24, 2010 Southeastern School of Advanced Commercial Lending Nashville, TN
March 7-12, 2010 Southeastern School of Consumer Credit Nashville, TN
May 2-7, 2010 Georgia Banking School Athens
 

 

 

 

Seminars

 

Aug. 31 Construction Lending, Part 1: Consumer Construction Loans Webinar
Sept. 2 Network Security 2009, Part 3: Social Engineering: The Easiest Way to Get Access to Your Systems or Information Webinar
Sept. 3 Opening New Accounts I Webinar
Sept. 3 IRA Basics Webinar
Sept. 3 Implementing the New Regulation Z, Part 1: Advertising Rules Webinar
Sept. 4 New Flood Insurance Questions & Answers Webinar
Sept. 8 Security & Risk Management, Part 3- Insider Abuse & Contractor Fraud Webinar
Sept. 10 Learn From Others' Mistakes - Common Compliance Violations and How to Avoid Them Webinar
Sept. 10 FDIC Insurance: What Your Customers Want to Know Webinar
Sept. 10 Loan Documentation Macon
Sept. 10 Implementing the New Regulation Z, Part 2: Higher Priced Mortgage Loans & Other New Rules Webinar
Sept. 11 Implementing the New Regulation Z, Part 3- Escrow Requirements Webinar
Sept. 14 Construction Lending, Part 2: Commercial Construction Loans Webinar
Sept. 15 Safe Deposit the Fundamentals - 2009 Update Webinar
Sept. 15 Managing a Successful Branch, Part 1 Webinar
Sept. 16 Understanding Deferred Taxes Macon
Sept. 16 Paper Checks, Remote Deposit Capture, ACH & Electronic Transfers: What Law Applies & Who is Liable- Webinar
Sept. 16 GBA Insurance Trust Online Enrollment System and General Update Seminar Seminar
Sept. 17 Dealing with Subpoenas, Summonses, Garnishments & Tax Levies Webinar
Sept. 17 These People Drive Me Crazy Webinar
Sept. 17 Effective Compliance with Proposed Appraisal Guidelines Webinar
Sept. 22 Managing a Successful Branch, Part 2 Webinar
Sept. 22 IRA Update and Review Workshop Gainesville
Sept. 23 IRA Update and Review Workshop Macon
Sept. 23 Managing Credit Risk with Effective Stress Testing Webinar
Sept. 24 Mortgage & Real Estate Fraud Security Webinar
Sept. 25 OFAC Policies: What should we say- How should we say it- Webinar
Sept. 29 Bank Secrecy Act Staff Training Webinar
Oct. 14 Introduction to Consumer Lending Macon
Oct. 22 Advanced Loan Documentation Macon
Nov. 4 Analyzing Personal Financial Statements Macon
Nov. 10 Bankruptcy, Garnishment, Liens & Levies Macon
Nov. 17 Advanced Consumer Lending Macon
Dec. 10 Collections and Recoveries Macon
Dec. 16 Bank Secrecy Act Compliance - A NEW ERA Macon
Dec. 17 Analyzing Commercial Financial Statements Macon
   
  American Institute of Banking (AIB)  
Ongoing AIB Online Courses Online
Ongoing AIB Online - Instructor-led Online
     
  AIB Classroom Courses  
Sept. 15 Analyzing Financial Statements Atlanta
     
Board/Committee Meetings  
Sept. 24-25 Leadership GBA Fall Planning Meeting Atlanta
Oct. 6 GBA Board of Directors Greensboro
Jan. 13, 2010 GBA Board of Directors Atlanta
     
  Roundtables/Peer Groups  

Oct. 21

Finance/Operations Roundtable, Group A

Macon

Oct. 22

Finance/Operations Roundtable, Group B

Macon

Oct. 23

Finance/Operations Roundtable, Group C

Macon

Oct. 29 Bank Trainer Peer Group Macon

Nov. 4

President/CEO Roundtable, Group 5

Macon

Nov. 5 President/CEO Roundtable, Group 4 Macon
Nov. 6 President/CEO Roundtable, Group 2 Macon
Nov. 20 President/CEO Roundtable, Group 1 Macon
 
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Georgia Bankers Association • 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1050, Atlanta, GA 30303 • Phone 404.522.1501 • Fax 404.522.9848 • www.gabankers.com