Bank Notes

Bankruptcy: Preparation is the Key to Optimizing Outcomes

August 20, 2021

This article was originally published in the July/August issue of Kentucky Banker Magazine.

Bankruptcy filing rates have remained subdued as we emerge from COVID-19 restrictions. However, many of the governmentally mandated or funded relief measures that have sustained many individuals and businesses are set to expire in the coming months. The removal of the support measures increases the risk of…

Five Pillars Supporting Community Bank Independence

July 23, 2021

Most community bank boards aspire to maintain long-term independence.Supporting that aspiration requires a commitment to five distinct pillars: Performance, Shareholders, Management, Leadership, and Vision. A consistent focus on all five pillars can significantly increase the bank’s chances of remaining independent or supporting a high price for being acquired. Neglecting any one pillar will…

PPP Loans and Change of Ownership

October 6, 2020

Transactions involving changing the ownership of borrowers with outstanding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans will be subject to new requirements under a procedural notice (Notice) issued by the Small Business Administration (SBA) on October 2, 2020.¹  The Notice addresses the circumstances under which lenders may approve a change of ownership, when and how SBA approval must be obtained, and…

Public and Investor Communications in the Midst of COVID-19

March 31, 2020

During the COVID-19 crisis, municipal and other bond issuers and borrowers need to be mindful of information provided to investors and lenders. Given the rapid changes, it is difficult to assess whether the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 crisis will only affect an organization’s short-term outlook, or if the impacts will ripple through long-term operations. Issuers and borrowers will receive…

Planning Can Improve the Health of Your Management Team

February 28, 2020

Strategic planning by the board of directors is a fundamental practice of good corporate governance.  But, management team planning is equally important.  If board strategic planning takes a view from 30,000 feet, management planning takes a view from 10,000 feet.

Managers regularly meet to work on specific projects, brainstorm ideas or gather information.  In most cases meetings focus on narrow or…

Sometimes the most important things get the least attention.

January 30, 2020

Strategic planning

Strategic planning is a vitally important responsibility that gets relatively little attention. Effective strategic planning can unleash an organization's potential, focus efforts in the right places, and energize teams to create amazing results.

Strategic planning is a requirement of sound bank management.  However, the time and effort devoted to planning is often much less…