View from CBA September 20, 2013

September 20, 2013

Navy Yard Tragedy

Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones who were injured or lost in the tragedy at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. this week. We thank our first responders for their bravery in the face of danger and for their life-saving efforts. 

Fifth Anniversary of the Financial Crisis

This month marks the fifth anniversary of the financial crisis and the retail banking industry is stronger and sounder. Key indicators as published by the FDIC including the lowest level of loan losses since 2007 and eight consecutive quarters with no new banks added to the FDIC’s ‘problem’ list illustrate an industry on the mend. While no one can guarantee there will not be another financial crisis, the retail banking industry, thanks to capitalization requirements, improved products and business measures, are much less likely to be a contributor to that crisis and is better prepared if one may come. 

CBA Board Members Named to 25 Most Powerful Women

CBA extends its congratulations to Mary Navarro of Huntington Bank and Maria Coyne of Key Bank, who have been named to American Banker’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking. Their tremendous work on behalf of their banks, the industry at large, and CBA is unparalleled. Several other women on the list hail from CBA member banks including: Wells Fargo, Bank of the West, SunTrust, Fifth Third Bank, KeyCorp, Citigroup, U.S. Bancorp, Bank of America, HSBC, and J.P. Morgan Chase. 

CBA Board, Councils, Committee Heads in Washington Next Week

CBA welcomes our Board of Directors to the nation’s capital next Tuesday, September 24, 2013 and Wednesday, September 25, 2013. We’ll be honoring the tremendous service Bob Kottler of IBERIABANK has given CBA and its members over the past year. We are proud of his commitment to the success of the retail banking industry during these tough times. While in town, the Board will meet with Senators on Capitol Hill and with the CFPB. 

In addition, next week, the Government Relations, Membership and Education Councils, as well as our Committee Chairmen will hold meetings at CBA’s headquarters.  The Home Equity Committee will be in town as well for an in person meeting, and for meetings with policymakers. 

We were glad to welcome the Auto Finance, Fair & Responsible Banking and Education Funding Committees to CBA’s headquarters this past Monday September 16, 2013. Significant discussions took place amongst the committee members and legislators on a wide range of issues. They have set the tone for the rest of our committees coming to Washington over the next two months. Special thanks to Equifax, Hudson Cook, and VantageScore Solutions, for sponsoring and providing their expertise.