December 21, 2023

Banking, and specifically community banking, is essential to the overall health of our country. By design, it serves as the backbone for our financial system and communities while playing a crucial role in helping individuals, businesses and governments thrive. In this highly competitive environment, community banks must continuously adapt to the changing landscape and competitive […]

The landscape of small businesses is evolving, and the numbers speak for themselves. Over the past three years, the small business marketplace has experienced an exponential surge. New business applications surpassed 14.8 million compared to 10.2 million in the preceding three years.1 This remarkable growth presents both opportunities and challenges for B2B marketers. Identifying marketable

The early 2000s are re-emerging with their crop tops, low-rise jeans, flip phones and mortgage buydowns. Deja-vu! Pre-crisis teaser rates have been reborn into mortgage buydowns, both temporary and permanent. With the housing markets remaining pricey and rates still higher than they have been in years, many buyers are looking for assistance in any form.

With recent changes to unclaimed property laws in West Virginia, now is a good time for a refresher on the escheatment laws currently in place to ensure your bank is in compliance. Notable changes to laws over the last few years include reduced dormancy periods for certain property types and guidelines on dormancy periods for

There has been much excitement over how artificial intelligence can improve efficiency and productivity. Every conference, regardless of the host and theme, includes a session or sessions on AI, and articles everywhere trumpet the promise of AI. AI tools can analyze large volumes of data in real time and provide immediate decisions or guidance on

In early October, I sat down with Federal Reserve Vice Chairman for Supervision Michael Barr at ABA’s Annual Convention in Nashville. The topic of our conversation was bank capital. The failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank have prompted regulators to begin clamoring for major capital increases at larger banks. My

Advocating on the West Virginia banking industry’s behalf is one of the most critical roles the West Virginia Bankers Association plays for its members. Advocacy at the state capitol during the legislative session is the most visible part of the advocacy function, but it is only a piece of a much larger advocacy effort. The