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New Appraisers Pushed Beyond Qualifications

by admin | Mon, 08/16/2010 - 13:59

Many took the minimum requisite courses, became certified with virtually no guidance or tutoring, and completed appraisals that were accepted without question.

Feedback: Nonbank Lenders Aren't Being Held to Higher Standards

by admin | Fri, 07/30/2010 - 17:17

The implication that bank employee lenders are less capable because they don't have "tough" professional skill requirements isn't true.

Feedback: Get Small-Business Lending Bill Back on Track

by admin | Thu, 07/29/2010 - 15:04

As a commercial finance consultant and a former commercial banker, it is very clear to me that passage of H.R. 5297 is essential to developing any meaningful level of employment growth.

Why Not 'Pawn Off' Risk to Nonbanks?

by admin | Tue, 07/20/2010 - 17:31

Transferring credit risk to insurance companies, hedge funds and anyone else who wants it will free the banking system as a whole from dependence on shaky formulas that no one fully trusts.

Green Versus Greed: Taking Sides on New Bank of America Fee

by admin | Mon, 07/19/2010 - 16:12

The scoop by American Banker last week that Bank of America is charging some new customers a fee for paper statements generated a torrent of comments across the blogosphere

Commercial Real Estate Hopium

by admin | Fri, 07/09/2010 - 14:45

With commercial real estate values and rents down 30% to 40% nationwide, across most sectors and metro markets alike, real estate investors - and the banks that lend to them - have already been hit by commercial real estate market's tsunami. But many believe the worst is yet to come.

Feedback: A Modest Proposal for Merchants

by admin | Fri, 06/25/2010 - 11:32

As issuers, we should "flip the switch" for a couple of days so that our customers have to write checks. Then merchants might remember what interchange fees are worth.

Interchange Issues Rankle Readers

by admin | Fri, 06/18/2010 - 17:28

There's nothing quite like a interchange to stir the pot, and the Durbin Amendment has been a hot-button issue of the moment for our readers.

Deal with Wal-Mart involvement warrants scrutiny

by admin | Thu, 06/17/2010 - 17:37

Green Dot's application to purchase Bonneville Bank should merit attention considering that Wal-Mart is both a shareholder and the largest business partner of the prepaid card company.

Reaching the Underbanked: Game Theory

by admin | Mon, 06/14/2010 - 14:22

Why can't saving money be fun and exciting? When I think of deposit products, I start to yawn. Don't get me wrong, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and prepaid debit cards with a savings pocket are all important products for the unbanked and underbanked. But, let's face it, they are boring.