American Banker - March 2023

ODD COUPLES

Investors have bought a one-branch bank in Elmore City, Oklahoma (the town that inspired "Footloose"), renamed it Old Glory Bank and plan an all-digital brand that emphasizes patriotism. Experts question whether Old Glory is offering a solution to a nonexistent problem.

More regulated institutions serving crypto-related businesses would lead to more safety and soundness overall, many experts argue.

A reasonable approach to comprehensive credit risk management can protect banks against the impact of a recession while ensuring the industry doesn't contribute to any potential economic volatility.

Banks with strong underwriting and stress testing should be well positioned to survive the credit and liquidity issues that may come while being able to continue to serve customers.

Since 2011, and in ever-growing volume, credit unions have been buying community banks. Some see it as the free market at work while bankers say this is another example of credit unions' unfair advantage.

In his new book, "A Monetary and Fiscal History of the United States, 1961-2021," economist and former Federal Reserve vice chair Alan Blinder tells the tale of how economic conventional wisdom has evolved over the last half-century.

Diversity, equity and inclusion has only grown in importance to the financial services industry over the last few years. For that reason, DEI philosophies are becoming a bigger concern as buyers and sellers try to determine how their corporate cultures might mesh.