Banking Matters Podcast

Roger Morris and Ashton Woodling

Ashton and Roger discuss taking on new hobbies before diving into one of Ashton’s favorite topics: the SAFE Act. Roger provides yet another update on the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and explains how an injunction actually works and what they mean in the compliance context. Then they preview some exciting upcoming episodes. Future topics include an update on the state of junk fees, fraud training, and a great overview of bankruptcy for bankers.

Darbi Sanders, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at First Bank Texas

Darbi Sanders, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at First Bank Texas, presents the challenges of generational banking; community banks must balance the brick and mortar, individual relationship desires of the older generation with the technology expectations of the younger generation. She explains the ‘mobile branch’ concept and how it can help banks reach rural communities. Finally, Darbi provides actionable recommendations for succession planning to ensure a smooth transition and continuity within the bank.

Tan Bui, VP of Compliance at F&M Bank

Tan Bui, VP of Compliance at F&M Bank, lays out his unique perspective that banks should be considered a vehicle and Compliance the brakes; effective brakes enable vehicles to drive faster and achieve higher performance. He shares the concept of Open Banking Infrastructure and what banks should be doing to prepare as it gains momentum in the United States.

Helen Touchton, Independent BSA/AML Consultant

Helen Touchton, Independent BSA/AML Consultant, provides listeners with practical advice for navigating audits and exams, including that effective audits are fast-paced and require organization and responsiveness from both the auditor and the bank. She lists common audit issues and highlights the highest risk findings that should concern BSA officers. Finally, Helen contemplates changes in BSA/AML audits throughout her career with the advent of automated surveillance systems.

Matthew Largent, SVP of Retail at City National Bank

Matthew Largent, SVP of Retail at City National Bank, tackles servant leadership in this week’s episode of Banking Matters. He shares how his military background helped shape his approach to leading and serving others, the significance of perception change in employee accountability, and the importance of engagement in creating high-performing teams. Matt stresses that a great leader is an individual with great leadership skills, rather than the subject matter expert.

Jeff Swenson, the retail banking chief at Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank

In the latest installment of Banking Matters, Daniel Baker engages in a conversation with Jeff Swenson, the retail banking chief at Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank. They discuss the importance of the upcoming generation of individuals joining the banking industry and how community involvement drives them. Jeff recounts his path into the banking realm, underscoring the pivotal role of banks in bolstering their neighboring communities. Additionally, they delve into approaches for connecting with this digitally-oriented generation and highlight the significance of mentorship in advancing one’s career.

Shawn Tuma, Partner at Spencer Fane LLP

Shawn Tuma, Partner at Spencer Fane LLP, reflects on the evolution of “incident response” from the Y2K scare to today. He describes the steps institutions must complete after a cybersecurity incident occurs, including determining the pervasiveness of the incident. Shawn then introduces the concept of a “tabletop exercise,” showing its value in proactively developing a practiced plan to avoid paralysis by analysis during an actual incident.

Jenifer Waller, President and CEO of the Colorado Bankers Association.

In this episode of Banking Matters, Daniel interviews Jenifer Waller, President and CEO of the Colorado Bankers Association. They discuss Jenifer’s background in banking, her passion for lowering the number of unbanked and underbanked individuals, and the unique challenges and opportunities of marijuana banking in Colorado. They also touch on the impact of the SAFE Banking Act and provide advice for banks interested in entering the marijuana, cannabis, and hemp banking space.

Daniel Baker, Ashton Woodling and Roger Morris

Daniel and Ashton reflect on the fact that it has been a year since the Banking Matters podcast started! The hosts discuss some of their favorite moments and episodes. Looking ahead to the next year, Daniel introduces Roger as the new co-host, as Daniel moves on to work on other projects. Roger shares some information about himself and his background. Ashton and Roger review Regulation E and fair lending redlining as they discuss the importance of Reg E compliance, monitoring data, and addressing discrepancies in lending practices. With a final farewell from Daniel, the baton is officially passed to Roger, and we look forward to an even better second year!

Olga Gladkova, Vice President and BSA officer at Northwest Bank.

Olga Gladkova, Vice President and BSA officer at Northwest Bank, discusses the impact of geopolitical events on financial institutions and the importance of CDD and EDD. She highlights the challenges of dealing with false positives in OFAC screening and the need for robust monitoring and infrastructure. Olga also explains the significance of politically exposed persons and Russian oligarch proxies in AML compliance. Her advice for banks is to continue implementing strict monitoring, EDD, and vetting customers to ensure compliance and safety.

Kareston Robinson, AVP and Consumer/Commercial Loan Officer at Mt. McKinley Bank.

Kareston Robinson, AVP and Consumer/Commercial Loan Officer at Mt. McKinley Bank, explains the connection between credit and mental health as financial struggles can lead to stress and depression. She illustrates how frontline bankers can play a crucial role in supporting their customers’ mental health since they are in a unique position to see and hear about life changes as they occur. Finally, she provides strategies for how banks can help increase financial literacy in their communities.

Jennifer Stanick, Vice President and Compliance Officer at Signature Bank.

Jennifer Stanick, Vice President and Compliance Officer at Signature Bank, shares her journey into the banking industry, her role in establishing a bilingual banking brand, and her experience with the CRCM exam. She emphasizes the importance of networking and reshaping compliance as a friend and resource. Jennifer also discusses her “introverted extrovert” personality and offers advice for compliance officers.

Daniel Baker and Ashton Woodling

Daniel and Ashton commiserate on events (and children!) keeping them busy. Ashton suggests banks set themselves up for success by scheduling out necessary reporting and requirements for the year. She reminds banks to make compliance requirements work for them by tailoring committee reports to add value to the review. Daniel reflects on the recent Junk Fee proposed rules and how banks can comply by keeping customer service in the forefront. The duo shares teasers of upcoming episodes and invites listeners to join them on the podcast as guests.

Brandon Maggard, Agent and Financial Institution Specialist at Kentucky Bankers Association Insurance Solutions.

Brandon Maggard, Agent and Financial Institution Specialist at Kentucky Bankers Association Insurance Solutions, explains the different types of insurance banks obtain and risk factors that are considered in determining premiums. He recommends banks read their policies thoroughly to understand their conditions and consult closely with their agents to ensure they have the proper types of coverage.

Elizabeth Schroeder, VP of Regulatory Compliance at Washington Trust Bank.

Elizabeth Schroeder, VP of Regulatory Compliance at Washington Trust Bank, confronts regulatory change management across business lines. She emphasizes the importance of relationships between the first and second lines of defense, shares her methods for relationship development, and reminds compliance professionals to stay humble in post-implementation testing.

Levi Rogers, IT System Administrator at Exchange Bank.

Levi Rogers, IT System Administrator at Exchange Bank, introduces the role artificial intelligence (AI) plays in security practices and proposes ways AI could increase efficiency in different bank departments. He chronicles sound security practices, including the principle of least privilege, continuous testing, and vendor monitoring.

Anne Chapin, Chief Risk Officer at Mascoma Bank.

Anne Chapin, Chief Risk Officer at Mascoma Bank, demonstrates how strategic initiatives guide a bank’s risk appetite and are supported by risk metrics. She describes compliance testing in a three lines of defense model and connects this testing back to risk metrics and strategic initiatives, suggesting banks employ the “trust but verify” strategy and emphasizing the importance of relationships between each line of defense.

Daniel Baker and Ashton Woodling

As we look forwards towards another year of great Banking Matters episodes, Daniel and Ashton take an opportunity to introduce themselves and their experience in the banking industry. With excitement for some of the upcoming episodes, they discuss some of the guests and topics they have had an opportunity to work with. Finally, they wrap up by reviewing some of the common questions they get as Virtual Compliance Officer and Associate General Counsel.

Peter Madlem, a partner at Avalan Wealth.

In this episode of Banking Matters, Daniel Baker interviews Peter Madlem, a partner at Avalan Wealth, who has over 35 years of experience in investment management. They discuss Peter’s diverse background as a bronco rider and a classical guitarist and the transition to the financial sector. They explore the current market positions for banks and the strategies for financial institutions to overcome rising costs and losses, including bond portfolio restructuring and reinvestment. Peter advises banks to lower their costs and leverage their bond portfolios to improve future earnings and provides valuable insights for banks navigating the current economic landscape.

Craig Ostbo, CEO of Oh! Strategic Branding.

In our first Banking Matters Holiday Spectacular, our ho-ho-ho-host Ashton is joined by Craig Ostbo, CEO of Oh! Strategic Branding. Craig unpacks the gift of being on a bank’s Board of Directors, including how his marketing and branding experience guide his decisions as a Board member and the presentations and materials Board members value. He cracks the nut of “strategic branding” and illustrates how all bank personnel are brand ambassadors.

Ed Burdzinski, Of Counsel at Spencer Fane LLP.

Ed Burdzinski, Of Counsel at Spencer Fane LLP, dives into the history of the beneficial ownership rules and the Corporate Transparency Act. He contrasts the beneficial ownership and CDD rules banks currently operate under with FinCEN’s new final Reporting Rule as well as the current status of the proposed Access Rule, and yet to be issued Conforming Rule to conform the current CDD to the Corporate Transparency Act requirements. Ed discusses banks continuing to follow the current CDD rules until FinCEN releases the final Access Rule and the Conforming Rule.

Alesha Paulsen, BSA Officer at Honor Bank.

Alesha Paulsen, BSA Officer at Honor Bank, shares her intentional path into BSA and how to be a detective when reviewing suspicious activity. She explains her method for keeping fraud top-of-mind for frontline staff and provides an example of different parties involved in a transaction working together to protect vulnerable customers.

Guy Davis, President & CEO at Marion Community Bank

Guy Davis, President & CEO at Marion Community Bank, discusses building culture and rebranding the bank, in particular as the institution was experiencing strong growth over a relatively short period of time. Guy details how the Bank developed its vision, mission, and values, despite challenges in the loan portfolio and during a time of high product and service development to better serve customers. He explains how to navigate different markets with different needs and how an institution should target its marketing efforts accordingly. Unmatched service and innovative solutions are what set the Bank apart and take customer service one step further, he says. Annual employee engagement surveys, net interest margin compression, talent attraction and retention, and regulatory compliance pressure are just some of the other topics in the conversation.

William “Pat” Huttenbach, a litigation attorney at Crain, Caton & James, P.C.

William “Pat” Huttenbach, a litigation attorney at Crain, Caton & James, P.C., boasts an impressive track record, spanning more than 25 years, dedicated to assisting banks in navigating and litigating matters related to Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Articles 3, 4, and 4A. In a candid dialogue, Pat and Daniel delve into some of the strategic considerations that banks should adopt when approaching UCC issues, review valuable insights into the process of making claims and recovering losses stemming from fraudulent checks, and dig into the nuanced terrain within the UCC’s definitions sections, which often represent a legal grey area of significant consequence.

Michele Carfello, Vice President of Member Relations at the Texas Bankers Association.

Michele Carfello, Vice President of Member Relations at the Texas Bankers Association, engages in a conversation with Daniel concerning strategies for banks to become better acquainted with their state bankers associations. Their discussion highlights the pivotal role of sustained engagement, explores the supportive functions provided by the TBA to its member banks, and outlines the advocacy efforts undertaken by the Association on behalf of banks within the state and in some cases even beyond its borders.

Sheldon Hendrix, Senior Vice President at First Community Bank.

Sheldon Hendrix, Senior Vice President at First Community Bank, boasts a wealth of over 22 years of experience within the banking industry, with 19 of those dedicated to the critical areas of regulatory compliance and risk management. In a collaborative conversation, Sheldon and Daniel take a look into the dynamic journey of advancing within the banking sector, breaking down the process of acclimating to roles without prior experience, and dissecting the intricate mechanisms involved in resolving multifaceted regulatory challenges.

Calvin Dunning, the Director of Community Development at FirstBank.

Calvin Dunning, the Director of Community Development at FirstBank, and Daniel discuss community outreach strategies, how the bank’s initiatives are aligned with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), Fair Lending practices, and various approaches to minority lending. Their discourse delves into the correlation between responsible community engagement and its potential to not only benefit the community but also generate heightened sales and open new market opportunities for the bank.

Eric Collinsworth, co-owner of Appraisal Advisory Associates, LLC.

Eric Collinsworth, co-owner of Appraisal Advisory Associates, LLC, engages in a dialogue with Daniel regarding the ramifications of appraisal bias within the banking sector. Their conversation investigates various facets of the concept, including the examination of PAVE (Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity), the principles of appraisal equity, the objectives outlined by the PAVE task force, and the potential legal liability financial institutions may face for appraisal and valuation bias. Eric and Dan also explore current apprehensions pertaining to the evaluation of real property, culminating in an exploration of Reconsideration of Value (ROV). Their conversation encompasses strategies and measures that individuals and banks can adopt to ensure the appropriate assignment of property values.

Juliana Andrews, Fair Lending Officer at Amalgamated Bank.

Juliana Andrews, Fair Lending Officer at Amalgamated Bank, and Daniel engage in a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted effects of Fair Lending, the intricacies of embarking on a new role under a fresh managerial leadership, and the strategic deployment of diverse data sets to enhance the bank’s overall business performance and increase sales.

Kevin Atwood, President and CEO of Bank of Cadiz & Trust Co.

Kevin Atwood, President and CEO of Bank of Cadiz & Trust Co., and Daniel engage in a diverse conversation ranging from the role of the Compliance Officer in rural communities, the unique nature of agricultural lending, asset quality considerations in the current economic environment, and how the bank has worked with regulators to be able to serve the Amish community. Their conversation also highlights the benefits of fostering relationships across banks, rather than framing them merely as competitors. 

Karen Legault, Senior Vice President at Profinium.

Karen Legault, Senior Vice President overseeing Marketing, Education, and Communication at Profinium, and Daniel engage in a multifaceted dialogue encompassing the various aspects of crafting high-quality marketing initiatives, emphasizing the significance of proficient communication strategies, and reflecting upon diverse employee backgrounds that can enrich the banking sector. Their conversation underscores the importance of fostering innovation and collaboration within the industry while harnessing the collective strength of different perspectives for strategic growth and success.

Rich Perez, Vice President of Bank Innovation at the Texas Bankers Association.

Rich Perez, Vice President of Bank Innovation at the Texas Bankers Association, discusses with Daniel the role of Bank Innovation across banking institutions. Their conversation looks into the mechanisms through which TBA members pursue the development of new products and services, collaborating with a myriad of vendors who put innovation at the forefront. Additionally, they explore the intricacies of forging successful partnerships with vendors, outlining the key attributes that define effectiveness while also highlighting the critical factors to be considered when evaluating potential partners.

Frances Pack Training and Development Specialist at Citizens State Bank.

Frances Pack, known as Fran among her acquaintances, serves as the Training and Development Specialist at Citizens State Bank. During her extensive 29+ years of dedicated service to the institution, she has been instrumental in spearheading the bank’s online and mobile banking initiatives, thus amassing profound expertise in this domain. In her current role within the Human Resources and Training department, Fran engages with Daniel to explore the evolving landscape of banking, underscoring the significance of robust training programs and strategies for effectively assisting and guiding new employees who may face challenges during their initial stages of employment

Sandy Knight, Senior Vice President, Director of Compliance and Fair and Responsible Banking at First National Bank.

Sandy Knight, Senior Vice President and Director of Compliance and Fair and Responsible Banking at First National Bank, engages in a discussion with Daniel regarding the implications of pursuing an education centered on the banking sector. Their conversation also delves into the intricate task of managing the influx of bulletins and updates issued by regulatory authorities. Additionally, they explore strategies for compliance officers and banking personnel to effectively adapt to the dynamic shifts occurring within the industry.

Carey Phillipi, Managing Partner at Bridge Financial Consulting Group LLC.

Carey Phillipi, Managing Partner at Bridge Financial Consulting Group LLC, collaborates with Daniel on a comprehensive conversation about the current economic landscape, strategies for evaluating risk within the commercial real estate (CRE) portfolio, and the art of timing strategic shifts. Carey brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent more than two decades with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in roles ranging from Examiner to Commercial Credit Examiner in Charge to Assistant Deputy Comptroller.

Robert Funk, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Karnes County National Bank

Robert Funk, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Karnes County National Bank, joins forces with Daniel to explore various facets of risk and security. Their conversation navigates fraudulent transactions within a community bank, evaluates the significance of small banks within their communities, and examines the pivotal role assumed by a COO in these institutions

Paul Cummings, Director of Risk Management at Keystone Bank.

In the second segment of this two-part discussion, Paul Cummings and Dan delve further into their conversation about the prevailing market conditions, the responsibilities of a risk manager, and his firsthand encounters as a special agent with the US Treasury and Homeland Security.

Paul Cummings, Director of Risk Management at Keystone Bank.

In the first installment of this two-part special, Paul Cummings, who serves as the Director of Risk Management at Keystone Bank and boasts a prior role as a Special Agent for both the US Treasury and Homeland Security, engages in a conversation with Daniel. They delve into the profound influence of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and the art of constructing powerful narratives. Paul recounts a compelling anecdote illustrating the tangible power of a SAR, recounting how it acted as a vital alert that brought to light the smuggling of substantial quantities of cocaine into the United States.

Julia Gutierrez, Vice President of Education at Compliance Alliance.

In part two of our two part series with Julia Gutierrez, Vice President of Education at Compliance Alliance and Daniel. They continue to discuss well-designed training initiatives, the influence of SCRA/MLA, Compliance Management Systems, and the key elements that make a policy truly effective.

Julia Gutierrez, Vice President of Education at Compliance Alliance

Julia Gutierrez, the Vice President of Education at Compliance Alliance, engages in a conversation with Daniel, focusing on the significance of well-designed training initiatives, the influence of SCRA/MLA, Compliance Management Systems, and the key elements that make a policy truly effective.

Chad Elledge, Chief Risk Officer at Texas Heritage National Bank

This week, Chad Elledge, Chief Risk Officer at Texas Heritage National Bank, and Daniel dig into the elements of cybersecurity and the issues it presents for banks today, digital integration, minimizing costs using technology, and the value of an education focused on banking.

Alicia Wade President & Chief Operating Officer with Valliance Bank, OK

In this weeks episode- Alicia Wade President & Chief Operating Officer with Valliance Bank, OK and our own Kelly Owsley discuss her banks transition into cannabis banking. Learn how she prepared her institution and compliance team for this significant shift, leveraged community and regulatory relationships and how her bank continues to face ongoing complexities in this evolving industry. Discover whether cannabis banking is a viable option for your institution.

Karla Quarve & Ryan Plucker with American Bank & Trust, SD.

In part two of our two part series with Karla Quarve & Ryan Plucker with American Bank & Trust they continue to discuss the importance of having a quality mentor, how to manage projects, and effective ways to communicate regarding expectations.

This weeks episode which is part on of a two part series- Karla Quarve & Ryan Plucker with American Bank & Trust and Dan discuss the importance of having a quality mentor, how to manage projects, and effective ways to communicate regarding expectations.

Tom, a Banking Consultant who has over 32 years’ experience as an OCC examiner, and Daniel discuss the current market, banks’ reactions to the uncertainty, lending limits, and the importance of quality policies and procedures.

Tom, a Banking Consultant who has over 32 years’ experience as an OCC examiner, and Daniel discuss the current market, banks’ reactions to the uncertainty, lending limits, and the importance of quality policies and procedures.

This week – Ginger Laurent, CEO of the Louisiana Bankers Association and Daniel discuss the impact of 1071 in regards to Fair Lending, Fair lending in today’s banking environment, training programs for staff, and Human Resources.

This week- Celeste Embry, General Counsel, Texas Bankers Association and Daniel discuss getting involved in your Banks Association, what steps Associations take to get your voice heard, and the importance of being involved in the legislative process.

This week – Kelly Owsley, Virtual Compliance Officer at Review Alliance, and Daniel delve into the intricacies of the Virtual Compliance Officer Role. Kelly sheds light on the significance of communication, both in virtual and traditional banking settings. She also emphasizes the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to pivot not only in the ever-changing compliance landscape, but also in her role as a VCO. Additionally, she underlines the importance of having a strong compliance management system.

This week – Art Stevens President of Retail Banking at Trustmark Bank joins us! He shares how a professor lead him to his career in banking. He and Dan discuss innovative ways he’s shrinking his banking footprint by deploying ITM’s and offering more digital banking products in turn creating more modern and efficient branches. He also shares his banks new relationship banker model, which gives his employees more ownership over handling all branch transactions, and the success that has been for both employee and customer.

This week Howard Headlee President and CEO of the Utah Bankers Assocation, shares how his passion for his community and education brought him to banking. He also discusses how important advocacy and participating in initiatives is to helping community banks thrive.

In this episode Ledra Jones, Vice President, Compliance Officer and BSA/AML Officer at Texas Heritage Bank shares her journey from branch manager to BSA Officer and how important education and peer support was and is to her everyday success. She also discusses the resources and tools she utilizes to manage her daily compliance processes and educate her team.

In this episode Heather Smith, Senior Vice President and Director of Consumer Compliance, at Forbright Bank shares how she’s creating a best in class compliance management system and fostering a risk culture at her bank. She also shares tips on creating a CRA strategic plan.

In this episode, Rann Paynter, President and CEO of the Michigan Bankers Association shares his journey to banking and his tips on serving minority and low-income communities. He also shares his thoughts on diversification of banking staff and digitalization in the bank.

In this special episode of Banking Matters our very own Victoria E. Stephen, JD, CRCM, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel and Daniel Baker, discuss all things 1071. Join them as they deep dive into what 1071 is, the impact on community banks and resources available.

This week President of Bankers Alliance, Scott Daugherty, and Daniel discuses internal policies and procedures around audit and compliance and how they play a significant role in mitigating the risk of bank failures. Learn about the importance of third-party exams, tips on choosing an auditor, and how to manage that relationship effectively. They also discuss the benefits of remote audits and how the Virtual Compliance Officer program can can be tailored to meet the unique compliance needs of your bank.

Chris Furlow, President and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association, and Daniel Baker, delve into key topics such as recent bank failures, the state of the market, and the role the FDIC plays. Discover the importance of community outreach and education programs for bank employees, and how state banking associations can provide valuable resources to strengthen relationships with the local community.

In this episode, Amanda Hinsley, CFO of First Texas National Bank, shares her journey from insurance to banking, and how her bank was able to turn around their compliance program after receiving a “needs improvement” rating on their NACHA audit. They discuss the importance of documentation, external perspectives, and continuous improvement in maintaining a high level of compliance.

President and CEO of the Virginia Bankers Assocation, Bruce Whitehurst and Daniel Baker discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in the banking industry, and innovative ways to attract and retain young talent.

In this week’s episode of Banking Matters we’re joined by Nebraska Bankers Association, President and CEO, Richard Baier. Richard and Dan discuss the importance of affordable housing and financial literacy and the role community banks can play.

As President and CEO, Lorrie Trogden joins us for our flagship episode of Banking Matters. Bringing her insights into Representment Fees and 1071, Lorrie discusses how banks will continue to be impacted by these changes.