Ahead of the Curve: A Banker's Podcast

In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, we discuss the ripple effects of global trade, regulatory shifts, and advancing fraud threats with Duncan Taylor, SVP and Chief Operating Officer of the Washington Bankers Association.Tune in as we explore:How tariffs and international trade tensions are impacting regional and agricultural banksWhat community banks should know about regulatory rollbacks and CFPB scrutinyThe growing risks in fraud and why human nature, not just error, must be addressedHow to prioritize responsible AI, compliance, and customer trust in tech investmentsAbout the guest:Duncan Taylor serves as SVP and COO of the Washington Bankers Association and President of both CareerWork$ and WBA Professional Services, Inc. A seasoned association management leader and not-for-profit consultant, Duncan brings a unique blend of operational expertise and policy insight. With deep roots in the industry, Taylor is passionate about financial education, responsible innovation, and building resilient communities through banking. He's also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School and a self-professed bank data nerd who loves breaking down complex topics into approachable, actionable strategies. You can hear him talk trivia and show off his history knowledge on the Last Call Trivia Podcast.Helpful links:Podcast: Integrity Solutions: Shaping Future Bankers with Duncan TaylorWebpage: AI solutions and resources for bankersBlog: AI and generative AI use cases in banking: 6 real-world examples

In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, you'll hear innovative ideas on financial literacy programs and leveraging technology for better customer service from Anne Tangen, President and CEO of BankFive.Tune in as we discuss: How to engage customers in learning about improving their credit The role of financial literacy in getting the right loan products in front of customers What BankFive is doing to improve its customer experience with thoughtfully designed branches  How Tangen and her team have prioritized keeping a human touch in new self-serve technologies and how the investment has paid offAbout the guest:Anne P. Tangen joined BankFive in 2020 as its President and CEO. She has had a long and distinguished career in financial services, having served in various senior roles at Fidelity Investments, State Street Bank, and The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. A respected leader in the industry, she sits on several high-profile boards, including the Massachusetts Bankers Association and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's First District's Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC), which advises the Fed on the local economy, lending conditions, and other issues. In addition, she has been featured in the Boston Business Journal, Banker & Tradesman, and Bloomberg Radio Boston, and as a speaker at the New England Bankers Annual Conference and Future Branches Boston. Anne is involved in various local nonprofits, including the Alden Pettengill Foundation Board of Argosy Collegiate Charter School in Fall River and the Savings Banks Employees Retirement Association (SBERA). She also serves on the Endowment Committee for the Fall River Historical Society.Helpful links: Webpage: About | BankFiveWebpage: Change Management Services | AbrigoBlog: How accountants can leverage technology to boost client financial literacy, loyalty 

In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, we explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the loan review process, making it more efficient, accurate, and compliant—while ensuring that human expertise remains essential.Joining us is Steve Wert, Vice President of DiCom Loan Review Solutions at Abrigo. With over 20 years of experience in market strategy and technology, Steve has played a pivotal role in the evolution of credit risk management. Previously, he served as President and CEO of DiCOM Software, a market-leading credit risk management solution that is now a part of Abrigo. His insights into AI-driven banking solutions provide a unique perspective on how technology can empower financial professionals rather than replace them.Tune in as we discuss:  How AI enhances, rather than replaces, human decision-making in loan reviews The role of AI in risk assessment, compliance, and efficiency Ethical considerations and how banks can integrate AI responsibly The future of AI in credit risk management and continuous monitoringHelpful links:Webpage: AI Solutions for Banks Webpage: Loan Review Assistant Blog: Generative AI in credit risk management: A game changer for loan review

With a new administration in office, speculation is running high on what the future holds for financial institutions working within the cannabis-related business (CRB) industry.Today's guest is Kevin Gulledge, Senior Risk Management Consultant at Abrigo and a seasoned expert in financial compliance. With extensive experience guiding banks and credit unions through the challenges of serving CRBs, Kevin brings valuable insight into the regulatory and operational hurdles financial institutions face.In this episode, we'll break down the current speculation surrounding cannabis banking under the new administration, what we're hearing from bankers on the front lines, and any proposals in the pipeline that could impact financial institutions. Plus, we'll explore the unknowns—those lingering uncertainties that could shape the future of CRB banking.Helpful links:CRB insights webpage: MJBizDaily | Cannabis Industry Financial & Legal NewsPodcast: Banking on cannabis: Breaking down the SAFER Banking Act Whitepaper: Providing financial services to cannabis-related businessesBlog: Cannabis lending for financial institutions: Best practices

Bank mergers and acquisitions are on the rise, with institutions looking to expand, scale technology investments, and enhance profitability. But the accounting side of these deals—Day 1 valuation, CECL modeling, and income recognition—can introduce unexpected complexities that impact deal success.In this episode, Abrigo Advisory's Neekis Hammond and Derek Hipp bring their accounting expertise to discuss key accounting considerations for M&A transactions, such as common pitfalls and how leveraging data can streamline the transition. Join us to learn best practices for banks preparing for future acquisitions.Helpful links:Whitepaper: Valuation and purchase accounting in a dynamic macroenvironment Webinar: Valuation and purchase accounting: Navigating the changing M&A landscapeAdvisory services: Bank Valuation Services - Purchase Accounting Services

The CFPB 1071 regulation has sparked plenty of debate and concern among financial institutions. Since our last 107 1 episode in March, there have been some key developments, including the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the CFPB's funding structure and the new administration's 60-day pause on the rule. We'll discuss how community financial institutions are responding—whether with resignation, adaptation, or continued hesitancy—and the practical steps they're taking to comply.Up next is an overview of CFPB 1033, the open banking rule, and what it means for community banks as they face new requirements for consumer data access and sharing. Learn how financial institutions can prepare, the role of technology in compliance, and how community banks can maintain their high-touch customer relationships while adapting to these changes. We'll also touch on what deregulation could mean for small business lending in 2025 and how banks can position themselves for growth.Our guest is Paula King, CPA, Principal Consultant for Abrigo Advisory Services. King assists financial institutions with CECL, credit processes, model validations, and more. A former banker and bank co-founder, she has held executive positions (CFO, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer) and has more than 25 years of experience across all aspects of banking, including financial and asset/liability management, credit, services and product development, and director responsibilities.Helpful links:Webinar: Understanding the impact of CFPB 1071 on small business lendingBlog: The CFPB section 1071 effective dateSoftware: Small Business Loan Origination Software

While having data is valuable, the key to success is knowing how to interpret and effectively use that data. Core deposit studies can enhance the value of your institution's non-maturity deposit sector, improving pricing betas and reducing funding costs. But how can you be sure you're considering the right factors when analyzing your portfolio? Join us as Abrigo Senior Consultant Urum Urumoglu discusses how to best understand the behavior of depositors and how those depositors impact your balance sheet. Helpful links: Blog: Why it is critical to update your core deposit studyWebinar: Deposit behaviors are changing: Tracking and monitoring them in the new environmentWhitepaper: 6 Reasons to update core deposit analysis Case study: Home Federal Bank partners with Abrigo experts for core deposit analysis

With many experts predicting that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates this week, this episode delves into what financial institutions should expect now that rate drops are on the horizon. Banks and credit unions are under pressure to reevaluate their strategies for managing deposits, loans, and overall financial health. We will explore topics such as:The implications of expected rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and how institutions can adjust to a falling-rate environment.Why liquidity remains a critical concern with deposits becoming a scarce resource and borrowings and brokered funds increasing to meet liquidity needs.The potential for earnings pressure on bank margins as financial institutions struggle to lower deposit costs in line with falling yields.How rate cuts may impact capital structure, particularly around OCI on bonds and capitalization levels.Our guest is Dave Koch, Director of Advisory Services at Abrigo, who brings decades of experience in working with financial institutions. In this episode, Koch breaks down the current consensus on rate cuts, what they mean for financial institutions, and how to navigate an industry facing liquidity constraints and depositor expectations for higher returns.Learn more about the proposed brokered deposits rule here.Helpful links:Webinar: How to track and monitor deposit behaviorsPodcast: Outsourcing ALM: Best practices for the current interest rate landscapeChecklist: Choosing an effective ALM model

It is a BSA Compliance officer's job to make sure their institutions are in compliance with the latest from the FFIEC. That means getting their boards and leadership invested in following AML/CFT best practices. In today's episode, we'll explore the FFIEC's list of critical elements for a BSA program—from adequate staffing and expertise to the technological systems necessary for identifying and managing risks. Our guest is Hannakah Rubin, a Senior Client Development Consultant with Abrigo, who brings over 24 years of experience in the financial institution and software industry. Hannakah has not only developed Compliance, Fraud, and BSA Programs from the ground up but has also worked extensively with financial institutions to incorporate automated solutions into their compliance efforts.Learn more about upcoming AML/CFT certification and training events.Helpful links:Survey: State of Fraud 2024: Key findings and recommendations for FIsInfographic: 6 Steps for compliance with new AML/CFT program rulesChecklist: Elements of an effective SAR narrative

With interest rates having shifted dramatically, financial institutions find themselves navigating uncharted territory, grappling with how to adapt their ALM strategies to the new normal. Join us as Abrigo Director of Sales and Professional Services Dave Koch, an experienced asset/liability management advisor, delves into the complexities of the current economic landscape and its impact on community banks. In this episode, we'll discuss the current regulatory outlook, the importance of a realistic approach to interest rate forecasts, the potential benefits and pitfalls of ALM outsourcing, and the need for ALM advisors to work closely with banks to ensure their strategies are well-informed and effectively implemented. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to manage ALM effectively in today's volatile interest rate environment.  Helpful links:Webinar:  Effective risk management: Controlling liquidity and interest rate challengesSuccess Story:  Excel Bank gains interest rate risk management expertise with AbrigoChecklist: Checklists for evaluation ALM vendorsCheck out the series!Ahead of the curve: A banker's podcastLooking for ideas, tips, and best practices to take your financial institution to the next level? Look no further than this podcast featuring insights from banking leaders and advisors across the industry. We'll tackle a range of topics — technology implementation, loan grading, banking cannabis, and more to ensure you stay ahead of the curve in this fast-changing environment.You can find all episodes of the podcast on abrigo.com or on your favorite podcast app or platform. 

As the global population of individuals aged 60 and over is projected to increase by 38% between 2019 and 2030, elder abuse and elder financial exploitation (EFE) are becoming increasingly prevalent issues. This demographic shift, particularly in the developing world, brings attention to the unique challenges older persons face, including those related to human rights and financial security. Elder fraud, a severe form of EFE, continues to grow at an alarming rate. If it hasn't already, it is likely to impact your client base or family in the near future.In this episode, Abrigo consultants Melissa Mantooth, CAMS, and Elissa Brewer, CAMS, share their knowledge of prevalent schemes and red flags, as well as a brief overview of safe harbor laws around EFE that may impact banks and credit unions. As financial institutions educate their customers on fraud, it's important that they keep an extra watchful eye out for scams impacting older clients.Listen in for insights into ways to prevent elder fraud in your community.Helpful links:Blog: Elder fraud: Preventing elder financial exploitation at your institutionWebinar: Guarding your institution: Strategies for a fraud prevention programWebinar: Elder fraud: The fight for seniors' financial security Check out the series!Ahead of the curve: A banker's podcastLooking for ideas, tips, and best practices to take your financial institution to the next level? Look no further than this podcast featuring insights from banking leaders and advisors across the industry. We'll tackle a range of topics — technology implementation, loan grading, banking cannabis, and more to ensure you stay ahead of the curve in this fast-changing environment.You can find all episodes of the podcast on abrigo.com or on your favorite podcast app or platform. 

Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires financial institutions to collect and report data on small business lending to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The details of the CFPB 1071 rule are laid out in an extensive 888-page document, so it's no surprise that many financial institutions aren't sure where to start when it comes to preparing for compliance.In this episode, Abrigo Senior Consultant Paula King offers a comprehensive exploration of the rule's main elements, some first steps for compliance, and a brief overview of how it has been received, including the legal controversies following the rule. As financial institutions wait for finality on this regulatory shift, it's important for banks and credit unions of all sizes to understand the nuances of Section 1071. Listen in for insights into the future of small business lending.  Helpful links:Webinar: Understanding the impact of CFPB 1071 on small business lendingBlog: The CFPB section 1071 effective dateChecklist: CFPB 1071 Rule: Checklist for compliance successCheck out the series!Ahead of the curve: A banker's podcastLooking for ideas, tips, and best practices to take your financial institution to the next level? Look no further than this podcast featuring insights from banking leaders and advisors across the industry. We'll tackle a range of topics — technology implementation, loan grading, banking cannabis, and more to ensure you stay ahead of the curve in this fast-changing environment.You can find all episodes of the podcast on abrigo.com or on your favorite podcast app or platform. We can help you navigate 1071 deadlines and compliance. In addition to our 1071 resource page for lenders, which has updated information to help prepare for the new requirements, Abrigo's Loan Origination Software will have all required data fields in a borrower-facing collection form, access to pre-built reports, and the ability to export for CFPB reporting. Your financial institution can comply with 1071 while streamlining the origination process and ongoing customer management while working with a trusted partner of 2,400 institutions. Talk to a specialist to learn more.

The OCC, FDIC, and Federal Reserve Board have released the hypothetical scenarios for their annual Dodd-Frank stress tests, which help ensure that large banks can lend to households and businesses even in a severe recession. How do the scenarios impact community financial institutions, and how can you use stress testing to your institution's benefit?Join Zach Englert and Jacob Lowe as they discuss what the scenarios look like this year and how community banks and credit unions can leverage them to assess their internal risk management practices, inform capital planning and strategic decision-making, and communicate with regulators and investors.Helpful links: Blog: Capital stress testing: The Fed's scenarios can help smaller institutionsWebinar: Gauge your institution's risk from inflation: Planning ahead with stress testingPodcast: Stressed out: How to sleep easier at night about your capital and risk levels 

Human trafficking – a form of modern slavery – is one of the fastest-growing criminal activities in the world, exploiting over 45 million people and generating an estimated $150 billion in profits each year. While global in reach, human trafficking also affects individuals, communities, and economies across the United States.Join Brad Jeffery, founder of MADE FREE, and Heather Bellino, CEO of Texas Advocacy Project, as we discuss human trafficking's consequences and what financial institutions can do to help identify and prevent it.About Texas Advocacy Project: Texas Advocacy Project's mission is to end dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Texas. TAP empowers survivors through free legal and social services and access to the justice system and advances prevention through public outreach and education. Our vision is that all Texans live free from abuse. In 2022, TAP provided legal services in 4,765 cases, serving 10,502 Texans. If you or someone you know needs help, call 800-374-HOPE or visit TexasAdvocacyProject.org. About MADE FREE: MADE FREE was designed to provide social reform, addressing the root cause of human trafficking and the need for sustainable, ethical jobs. To win the war on poverty, those who make fashion goods must make a livable wage. The MADE FREE model takes a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating ecological, social, and economic factors. Workers at MADE FREE create handcrafted pieces in a clean, team-based environment with a focus on quality over quality, giving consumers a chance to support sustainable change with their dollars.Helpful links:Blog: The Super Bowl and human trafficking: How financial institutions can helpWebinar: Human trafficking awareness: Detecting, reporting, and partneringWhitepaper: Human trafficking red flags

The marijuana-related banking industry took major steps forward on September 27, 2023, when the Senate Committee passed the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act after weeks of negotiations and revisions to reach a bipartisan agreement. The bill would secure access for marijuana-related businesses (MRBs) to financial institutions. Terri Luttrell and Michael O'Neill, aka “The Cannabis Banker,” join the podcast to discuss the future of the SAFER Banking Act and what it means for financial institutions. They'll give predictions for marijuana's de-scheduling, what to expect from regulators, and what banks can do to work safely with MRBs in the meantime.  Helpful links: Blog: SAFER Banking Act passes Senate Banking Committee  Webinar: Banking marijuana-related businesses  Podcast: Ahead of the curve: A banker's podcast episode 3 - Cannabis lending - Abrigo 

The OCC issued it's Bank Supervision Operation Plan for 2024 and we take a look on at it on the latest episode of Ahead of the Curve. This plan outlines the OCC's priorities and objectives for the coming year and provides great insights on where to focus your financial institution's time. In this episode,  Abrigo Advisor Zach Englert discusses his big takeaways specifically around liquidity risk, credit risk, and change management. News Release - OCC Releases Bank Supervision Operating Plan for Fiscal Year 2024Abrigo Advisory Services

Financial institutions all have one thing in common right now: an unprecedented rising rate environment that isn't going away anytime soon. Some have action plans in place to ensure capital and margin objectives are still achieved, but for many, this coming period represents a complete unknown, so they are not as prepared. Whether deposits are an issue or not right now, it is prudent to make sure you have the monitoring and strategies in place to react appropriately as things change.  In this episode, Abrigo Senior Advisor Darryl Mataya discusses three steps your financial institution should take to prepare for the coming funding challenges ahead. In this podcast, we discuss: What makes this environment an "unprecedented rate scenario" Common mistakes financial institutions are making in their reactions Key moves to ensure you are prepared for additional rate uncertainty 

Ag lenders have faced a whirlwind of events over the past few years. From government stimulus programs to sky-rocketing land values to record inflation, many financial institutions are struggling to get a handle on it all. However, with an eye on credit risk and an increase in loan demand expected on the horizon, profitability and growth are possible for institutions.In this episode, Rob Newberry, former dairy farmer and Senior Advisor at Abrigo breaks down the overall agricultural lending landscape and provides practical advice on what ag-focused institutions should be doing to navigate rising rates, inflation, and more. In this podcast, we discuss: The state of the agricultural lending landscapeHow the 1980s ag crisis compares to today and what lenders should being keeping an eye onStrategies to mitigate credit risk and how to identify problem loans earlyOpportunities ag-focused banks can use to stand out from the competition

For financial institutions across the country, commercial real estate (CRE) remains an area of high emphasis within the loan portfolio as they pursue growth. However,  with rising interest rates and inflation as well as the underlying impacts of the pandemic on office space, it's important to keep an eye on the market and the inherent risks this type of lending presents.In this episode, Matt Anderson from Trepp and Rob Newberry from Abrigo join to discuss how CRE is being impacted by the current economic conditions and to give some tips on what to keep in mind when lending in this space.In this podcast, we discuss:The state of the CRE lending landscapeBest practices related to management reporting and stress testingCurrent regulatory expectations, including climate and environmental

Financial institutions continue to face a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and volatile economic environment. These top-of-mind concerns underscore the need for banks and credit unions to ensure they have enough capital to withstand a wide range of shocks. How can institutions make sure they have a comprehensive view of their risk? How do they plan for managing those risks should they emerge?In this podcast we discuss:How to identify key vulnerabilities to market forces through stress testingHow stress testing results can influence strategic and capital planningKey takeaways from regulatory guidance and recent stress testing scenarios

Learn about Abrigo's upcoming ThinkBIG Conference in this special bonus episode. With specific learning tracks for lending and credit risk, portfolio risk, and FinCrime, there is something for everyone.The in-person conference happening in San Antonio, Texas, from May 23-26 will be full of opportunities to earn CPE credit, network with peers, and learn best practices! Register now at https://www.abrigo.com/thinkbig/ and use the promo code POD50 for a discount on your ticket. Registration closes on May 1st, so don't wait!

Lending to and banking cannabis-related businesses is currently a hot topic among banking circles. With laws varying by state and the inherent risks associated with providing these services, many banks and credit unions are weighing whether to participate themselves. Ultimately, each institution will vary in its approach. However, there is no denying that this is a 'budding' industry that deserves serious consideration as a viable way to reach revenue goals.  In this podcast, we discuss:The definitions of common terms and the specific laws that go along with themDirect vs. indirect cannabis lending and the associated risksHow this type of lending can be a crucial revenue source for your FI

With rampant inflation and expected rate hikes for banks and credit unions, not to mention lingering economic and health effects from the pandemic, financial institutions face real profitability challenges in 2022. Now more than ever, it's critical to focus on effective loan pricing. The alternatives? Risk losing customers to competition or falling victim to further margin compression. In this podcast, we discuss: The current economic environment and expectations of rising ratesPotential challenges that rising rates present to FIsStrategies for increasing and maintaining profitability

Digitalization sits atop most financial institutions' strategic plans this year as a result of remote work and ever-changing customer expectations. New software and other technology is often vital to that effort. Whether you're implementing and rolling out loan origination software (LOS) as discussed in this podcast or another solution, a key consideration is the choice between software customization vs. configuration. In this episode, David O'Connell from Aite-Novarica's Commercial Banking team and Andy Snow from Abrigo join to discuss why this decision matters, along with best practices they have learned working with hundreds of financial institutions across the country.In this podcast, we will discuss:How LOS customization vs. configuration can affect project deadlines, budgets, and scopeThe total cost of ownership and other long-term effects of software customization vs. configurationManaging the “people side” of implementation/user adoption with customized vs. configured software