BankThink

When making a point to banker groups about how much the week-to-week banking habits of Americans have changed in recent years, one simple question tends to create much side chatter, nods and chuckles.

A significant reason JPMorgan Chase can't be regulated effectively is that its size, amplified by the CEO's voice, puts the bank above and beyond the reach of regulators, writes Andrew Kahr.

Recently I attended a presentation by Kevin Mitnick, a well-known computer hacker turned security expert. His live demonstration showed both the ease and effectiveness of current hacking techniques. It was unnerving to witness the relatively simple, yet extremely dangerous techniques for stealing sensitive data. It gave me a greater appreciation for our information security team and the difficulties they face on a daily basis. They understand that one error or lapse in attentiveness — no matter how seemingly minor — can be the downfall of the entire company.

Receiving Wide Coverage ...Interest Rates: The recent and rapid flattening of the yield curve could put a renewed squeeze on banks’ net interest margins in second quarter results, the Journal’s “Heard on the Street” column warns. On the bright side (from the banks’ perspective), the FT notes that consumer mortgage rates have fallen more slowly than the rates on their benchmark instruments, Treasury and mortgage-backed securities, juicing the profit margins in mortgage banking. Also in the FT, an op-ed by Harvard professor and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers advises those governments that can do so to issue more long-term debt to lock in the current, “epically low” interest rates.

Who 'likes' you on Facebook was big in 2010; now it's about 'who are these people?'"

Starting and running a successful credit card program isn't a small task. But it offers credit unions a unique opportunity to meet important member needs, strengthen relationships, boost profits, diversify loan portfolios and communicate value. That's credit where credit is due.

One of the best opportunities CUs will have during the latter-half of 2012 is to position their share allocation to minimize overall cost of funds.

Now is the time for fiscal discipline to maintain credibility in international financial markets. As Europe has shown, by the time a country reaches the crisis situation, fiscal austerity might be the best of many unappealing alternatives.

Incensed shareholders and lawsuits triggered by failed say on pay votes aren't the half of it. Just wait until the expected M&A wave unleashes 'say on golden parachute' litigation.

Receiving Wide Coverage ...No Habla Espanol: What’s it like to feel unwanted, the tuberculosis-ridden street urchin of the monetarily civilized world?