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BankThink editors Marc Hochstein and Jeanine Skowronski recap 10 of the blog's posts they found most memorable in 2012. (Image: Thinkstock)
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Don't Expand Uninsured Banking - End It

Author: Andrew Kahr

Marc Hochstein, Executive Editor:

I'm not sure I agree with Kahr that non-FDIC-backed, checking-like products such as Amex's Bluebird are a menace, but it's worth debating and he deserves credit for asking questions.

Related Article: Don't Expand Uninsured Banking — End It
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How a Seemingly Perfect Loan Can End Up Stinging Your Bank

Author: Ugo Nardi

Jeanine Skowronski, Deputy Editor:

The first in a series of old-school banking tales from retired banker and examiner Nardi imparts a timeless lesson particularly useful to underwriters: If a loan looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Related Article: How a Seemingly Perfect Loan Can End Up Stinging Your Bank

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It's High Time for High-Frequency Banking

Author: Philip Maymin

Marc Hochstein, Executive Editor:

This: "Try getting a mortgage or any other loan in less than a month. A month!"

Related Article: It's High Time for High-Frequency Banking

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CFPB Should Create Safe Haven for Innovators

Author: Jennifer Tescher

Jeanine Skowronski, Deputy Editor:

Tescher unites two concepts that don't always go hand in hand - regulation and innovation - in a post that outlines how the CFPB can expand on its Project Catalyst.

Related Article: CFPB Should Create Safe Haven for Innovators

(Image: Thinkstock)
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Dodd-Frank Ushers in a Corporatist Era in Banking

Author: Eric Grover

Marc Hochstein, Executive Editor:

Regulation sometimes works to the advantage of industry incumbents, and larger firms, by creating barriers to entry - a point often lost in the popular discourse about financial services.

Related Article: Dodd-Frank Ushers in a Corporatist Era in Banking

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Bankers Should Want Customers to Know Their Names

Author: Dave Martin

Jeanine Skowronski, Deputy Editor:

Martin's argument that a close personal relationship with customers has become more essential, thanks to technological advancements, kicked off a good debate on whether everyone should know their banker's name.

Related Article: Bankers Should Want Customers to Know Their Names

(Image: Thinkstock)
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Want To Make Risky Trades with No Brakes? Go To London

Author: Francine McKenna

Marc Hochstein, Executive Editor:

There's a reason the London Whale was in London - it's a longtime regulatory haven, like the Cayman Islands, except without the nice weather.

Related Article: Want To Make Risky Trades with No Brakes? Go To London

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Bring on the Binders

Author: Heather Landy

Jeanine Skowronski, Deputy Editor:

An astute observation on Mitt Romney's now infamous "binders full of women" statement from American Banker Magazine's Editor-in-Chief: "Oftentimes, you need to deliver the resumes of female candidates directly to the decision makers in order to promote gender equity."

Related Article: Bring on the Binders

(Image: Thinkstock)
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What Makes a Good Risk Manager?

Author: Jeanine Skowronski

Marc Hochstein, Executive Editor:

This post generated a lively and informative discussion, which is what this blog is all about.

Related Article: What Makes a Good Risk Manager?

(Image: Thinkstock)
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Dead Frogs and Other Unintended Consequences

Author: Richard J. Parsons

Jeanine Skowronski, Deputy Editor:

In which Parson uses Aesop's fable of "The Scorpion and the Frog" to make a case against overregulation.

Related Article: Dead Frogs and Other Unintended Consequences

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