SBA Hits Its 7(a) Loan Agreement Cap
unless Congress raises lending cap, not likely

Thursday, the Small Business Loan Office, Los Angeles, California Office issued a notice that said effective July 23, 2015, “…the 7(a) program has reached its FY 2015 loan guaranty program limit of $18.75 billion. As a result, SBA is forced to suspend its 7(a) small business lending until the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2015, or until such time as the 7(a) loan authority is increased by Congress.

The 7(a) is the most popular SBA Agreement. It includes financial help for businesses with special requirements. (1) The ceasing of this loan product will create a mad dash to alternate financing, those who lend on collateral or have other criteria. It may even spurt equipment leasing.

The notice stated, “All loan applications submitted through delegated or non-delegated authority as of noon (EDT) today will be processed as usual. SBA continues to work closely with our partners in the House of Representatives and Senate to address this challenge. While a solution is not yet finalized, we are hopeful that Congress will soon increase the 7(a) program’s lending authority, ensuring that entrepreneurs and businesses can continue to rely on the program to secure the credit necessary to start or expand their business. 

“As announced in SBA Information Notice #5000-1344, dated 7-22-2015, applications are being processed up to the point of approval and placed into a queue awaiting the availability of program authority (the “Queue”). As additional program authority becomes available due to Congressional action or as a result of cancellations of loans previously approved this fiscal year, applications in the Queue will be funded in the order they were approved by SBA. “  

Congress is going on its recess in August, and it does not appear the issue will be decided before that.  The situation may last until October 1, 2015, the SBA’s new fiscal year. It will hit many small businesses who will be gearing up for the holiday season by placing larger orders and hiring more workers.

1. https://www.sba.gov/7a-loan-program
   

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Position Wanted – Credit
Work Remotely or Relocate for Right Opportunity

Each Week Leasing News is pleased, as a service to its readership, to offer completely free ads placed by candidates for jobs in the industry.  These ads also can be accessed directly on the website at:
www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

Each ad is limited to (100) words and ads repeat for up to 6 months unless the candidate tells us to stop. Your submissions should be received here by the end of each week.

Please encourage friends and colleagues to take advantage of this service, including recent graduates and others interested in leasing and related careers. 

Will relocate for the right opportunity and can work remotely. I have (25+) years in making credit decisions, as well as helping sales team and third party originators close more transactions via understanding their applicant's financial abilities. I can create alternative or additional opportunities (and income) by knowing which type of loan is best for the borrower aaacorrespondent@gmail.com

Orlando, Florida As a Commercial Credit Analyst/Underwriter, I have evaluated transactions from sole proprietorships to listed companies, across a broad spectrum of industries, embracing a multitude of asset types. Sound understanding of balance sheet, income statement and cash flow dynamics which impact credit decisions. Strong appreciation for credit/asset risk.  rpsteiner21@aol.com  407 430-3917

 

Receivables Management LLC John Kenny • End of Lease Negotiations & Enforcement  • Third-Party Commercial Collections john@jkrmdirect.com | ph 315-866-1167 www.jkrmdirect.com

(Leasing News provides this ad as a trade for investigative
reporting provided by John Kenny)

 

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New Hires---Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Jeffrey Barry was hired as Senior Vice President of Lease Originations for ATEL Leasing, San Francisco, California; he is based in Chicago, Illinois. Previously, he was Vice President - Equipment Finance, BBVA Compass (April 2013–July 2015); Owner, Ravioli Oil (March 2012–April 2013); Vice President, Large Corporate Finance, PNC Equipment Finance (April 2005–March 2012); District Marketing Manager, ICX Corporation (October 1998–April 2005); Account Executive, MetLife Capital Corp. (1995-1998).
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/jeff-barry/13/618/b8b

Raymond Buckley was hired as Senior Vice President, Lease Originations, Western Region, at ATEL Capital Group, San Francisco, California. Previously, he was Director, Equipment Finance Originations, NXT Capital (April 2013-May 2015); Senior Vice President, GE Capital (June 2006-April 2013), Northwest Branch Manager & SVP, Balboa Capital (May 1995-May 2006). Babson College, Bachelor of Science, Entrepreneurial Studies/Marketing (1990 – 1994) Activities and Societies: Tau Kappa Epsilon Foothill High School - Pleasanton, CA (1986-1990). Member: Commercial Finance Association's Northern California Chapter
www.linkedin.com/in/raymondbuckley

John Crockett hired as Managing Director, Credit and Underwriting, for TIP Capital, a Crestmark Bank Company, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Previously he was at Macquarie Equipment Finance, joining the firm 2009 as Collection Manager; promoted in 2012 to Head of North American Operations. Previously, he was at CIT Systems Leasing as Credit Analyst (2000-2004); promoted to Credit Manager (2004-2009). Prior, Credit Manager, Middle Ticket Credit, Heller Financial, Dana Commercial Credit (1984 – 2000). Education: Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Business Administration, 3.50 GPA. Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration, Master of Science (M.S.), Management, 3.98 GPA
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrockett2

Aaron Gehlken was hired as Vice President of Sales at Nations Equipment Finance, Norwalk, Connecticut; he is based in Orange County, California.  Previously, he was Private Equity Regional Manager, First National Capital Corporation (2013 – 2015); President and CEO, Factor Security & Continuity, LLC. (2006 – 2013) Corporate Security Program Manager, Idaho Power Company (2005 – 2006); Military Intelligence Officer, USAF (US Air Force)
(1993 – 2005). Languages: English, Persian, Spanish. Education:
University of Maryland University College, BS, Government, Mid East Area Studies, GPA 4.0. Activities and Societies: AFROTC, USAF Intelligence Officer School, Military Intelligence and Analysis. Defense Language Institute, Persian-Farsi. Activities and Societies: L3/R3 DLPT, NSA Professionalized Graphic Linguist, 1996 World Wide Olympics Silver Medalist. Great Plains Baptist Seminary, MDiv, Theology. Treasure Valley Bible Institute, BDiv, Theology
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gehlken

Carl Meinhardt was hired as Vice President, Equipment Finance Officer, Medical, at Key Equipment Finance, Superior, Colorado; based in Kingwood, Texas.  Previously, he was Business Development Manager, Engs Commercial Finance Co. (February 2015–June 2015); Regional Finance Manager, Philips Medical Capital (September 2011-December 2014); Area Finance Manager, EMC (October 2010–September 2011); Regional Finance Manager, Siemens Healthcare (February 2003–October 2009); Account Executive, Dell Financial Services (October 1998–October 2001); District Leasing Manager, Eastman Kodak (September 1988–August 1999) Education: The University of Texas at Austin, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economics. Activities and Societies: Beta Theta Pi fraternity; Student Union Special Events Committee; Intramural Sports
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/carl-meinhardt/16/9b8/b22

Christa Millard promoted to Funding Coordinator, Operations Specialist, IMCA Capital, Los Angeles, California. She joined the firm July, 2014.  Previously, she was Human Resources Intern, Relief International (March, 2014 – June, 2014); Writing Tutor, Peer Learning Facilitator, UCLA Undergraduate Writing Center (August, 2013 – June, 2014); Customer Relationship Representative, Omega Events, Inc. (June, 2013 – August, 2013). Languages: English, Spanish, Arabic. Education: University of California, Los Angeles, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science (International Relations), Arabic (2010 – 2014). Member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority: Greek Relations Chair (1 year). Volunteer for the Law School Witness Program (3 years). Global Siblings Coordinator for the Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars (1 year). Research Assistant for Political Science Department (1 quarter). Honors & Awards: Dean's List; Sharpe Fellow, UCLA Honors College; Phi Beta Kappa. Activities and Societies: Gamma Phi Beta, Volunteer Witness Program, Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars. University of St. Andrews, Education Abroad, Arabic and International Relations. Rower for the St Andrews Boat Club, featured writer for The Saint and amateur blogger. Teaching Assistant for Bell Baxter High School Civic Engagement course.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christamillard

Bruce W. Robertson was hired as Director of Business Development at eOriginal, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland. Previously, he was Director of Sales/Business Development, Agora Financial LLC (2005–2014); Regional Sales and Marketing Representative, Galil Medical USA (2002–2002); Regional Sales Representative, Cryogen Inc. (2001–2002); Director of New Business Development, Baker APS (a subsidiary of McKesson Corp) (1998–2001); Owner/Independent Sales Rep, Rocky Mountain Cycling Sales (1994–1998); Retail Territory Manager, Colorado, Major Pharmaceuticals Inc. (division of The Harvard Drug Group)(1992–1994); Senior Sales Representative, Southern Colorado, The Sanford Company (1991–1992). Education: University of Colorado Denver, Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (2003 – 2004). Western State Colorado University, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Business Administration and Management, General (1988–1991); Activities and Societies: Rugby, Skiing, Mountain biking, Fly Fishing. Georgia State University (1986–1987).
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/bruce-robertson/7/483/493

Leasing Industry Ads---Help Wanted
Ascentium Capital/NEC Equipment Finance/Umpqua Bank

Senior Credit Analyst Choose Location Anaheim, CA, Tigard, OR, Federal Way, WA Middle Market Credits $500,000 to $5MM including Equipment Leases and Financings and Recourse and Non-recourse Lines of Credit -Five or More Years Credit Underwriting Exp. Some Relocation Provided click here for more information Financial Pacific Leasing - Commercial A subsidiary of Umpqua Bank

  

Experienced Sales Manager Central Region Develop/maintain relationships with NEC Dealers and Resellers. Meet with potential large customers to structure new lease and financial service opportunities. Full job description and application here www.necam.com A leading provider of innovative IT, biometrics, network, and communications products and solutions for service carriers and Fortune 1000 and SMB businesses across multiple vertical industries, including healthcare, government, education, and hospitality.

 

For information on placing a help wanted ad, please click here:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Hwanted/Hwanted-post.htm

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees.

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Two New Certified Leasing and Finance Professionals
Kristen Edwards, Ann Holder

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation announces two individuals who recently sat for the eight-hour exam successfully passed.  They
are:

Kristen Edwards
Assistant Vice President, Credit
Ascentium Capital

Ann Holder
Vice President, Leasing
Bank of Ozarks

"After two decades in the leasing business I decided it was time to earn the Certified Lease & Finance Professional designation," Ann Holder said. “I wanted to stand out for having the knowledge and skills to deliver value to my customers. Earning the CLFP was an additional step in my continuous career development.”

The next two day Academy, followed by a third day for the test offered, but not mandatory, is August 13th -15th at First American Equipment Finance, August 13th -15th.  For more information:
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2015/7_08.htm#clfp

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the equipment finance industry.

Companies with two or more foundation members
(# of CLFPs)

First American Equipment Finance 41
Financial Pacific Leasing 21
Ascentium Capital 14
Allegiant Partners 13
Orion First Financial 8
Arvest Equipment Finance 8
ECS Financial Services 7
Banc of California 5
Great American Insurance 5
Bank of the West 4
Maxim Commercial Capital LLC 4
Northland Capital 4
FSG Leasing 3
Huntington Equipment Finance 3
Innovative Lease Services 3
LeaseTeam Inc. 3
Pacifica Capital 3
Alliance Funding Group 2
BSB Leasing 2
Canon Financial Services 2
CBI Equipment Finance 2
Finance Capital 2
GO Capital 2
GreatAmerica Financial Services 2
Padco Financial Services 2
Pinnacle Business Finance 2
Portfolio Financial Servicing Company 2
Providence Capital Funding, Inc. 2
TEQlease 2

There are currently 271 Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates throughout the world. For more information, call Executive Director Reid Raykovich, CLFP at (206) 535-6281 or visit www.CLFPfoundation.org.

 

 

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Mark Stout, Texas added: Top 25 Most Influential List
of Attorneys in Equipment Finance and Leasing

"Mark Stout helped me to locate, obtain and return a stolen truck to one of my lessees after the truck had been driven across the state of Texas – in just 3 days – by utilizing his expertise and relationships 6 counties away. This could have been a disaster for my lessee. I called Stout – Stout called whoever it was he called and the truck was returned. Easy – and that’s what I like."

Mr. Stout represents in excess of thirty financial institutions and leasing companies.

Within the last four years, Mr. Stout has represented commercial lenders in excess of 150 state court proceedings. Mr. Stout handles an extensive trial docket that generally entails at least three court appearances each week in various courts in Texas. In conjunction with his state court proceedings, Mr. Stout frequently utilizes sequestration/replevin proceedings to quickly recover his client’s collateral. Mr. Stout has filed approximately 200 sequestration/replevin actions in Texas. Mr. Stout represents in excess of thirty financial institutions and leasing companies. Within the last four years, Mr. Stout has represented commercial lenders in excess of 150 state court proceedings. Mr. Stout handles an extensive trial docket that generally entails at least three court appearances each week in various courts in Texas. In conjunction with his state court proceedings, Mr. Stout frequently utilizes sequestration/replevin proceedings to quickly recover his client’s collateral. Mr. Stout has filed approximately 200 sequestration/replevin actions in Texas.

Most Influential Lawyers
in Equipment Finance and Leasing

Stewart Abramson
Andrew Alper
Thomas V. Askounis
Joe Bonanno, CLFP
James Coston, CLFP
Jonathan Fleisher
Kenneth Charles Greene, Esq.
Michael A. Leichtling
Malcolm C. Lindquist 
Barry Marks, Esq. CLFP
David G. Mayer
Frank Peretore
John G. Sinodis 
Ellen Michelle Stern
Kevin Trabaris
Michael J. Witt
Irwin Wittlin

Biographies of Past Nominees
http://www.leasingnews.org/Pages/top_lawyers.html

"Influential" as "a person whose actions and opinions strongly influence the course of events." "Preeminent" is "eminent above or before others; superior; surpassing:" {Online Dictionary}

When the list exceeds 25, there will be a point when the top 25 on the list will be finalized. Nominations will appear in two parts: New Nominations/The Top List to Date (alphabetical) Again, this is not a popularity contest and those making the nomination will not be named.
email: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org

 

The List---May, 2015
-- Mergers, Acquisitions & Changes
"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"--

Warren Capital, Novato, CA (05/15) Warren Capital Ponzi Scheme Started 1987 Attorney/Receivership Fees Now Over $1.15 million
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2015/5_26.htm#warren

LeaseOne, Lynnfield, Massachusetts (05/15) Lease One Tagged for Fraud in Lease Commitment
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2015/5_20.htm#tagged

US Business Funding, Newport Beach (05/15)
Three more complaints http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2015/5_20.htm#tagged

Advantage Funding, Lake Success, New York (05/15)
Acquired by Macquarie Group
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2015/5_15.htm#macquire

Financial Pacific, Federal Way, WA (05/15) Wins Umpqua Bank 2014 Department of the Year Award
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2015/5_06.htm#finpac

First American Equipment Finance, Fairport, NY (05/15)
Co-Founder/CEO William Verhelle Retires
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2015/5_04.htm#retires

 

Alphabetical
http://www.leasingnews.org/list_alpha_new.htm

Chronological
http://www.leasingnews.org/list_chron_new.htm

 

 

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Advance Funds Network Accused of Faxing
Unwanted Fax Messages

Advance Funds Network, who offers business loans for businesses
who accept cash or credit cards is the subject of a class action lawsuit
that claims the business illegally sent unwanted fax messages soliciting its services, according to legalnewsline.com. The company
claims funding $252, 000 with a two hour average approval time,
funding 360 clients a month with 110% customer stratification (1)

The suit also states the message was sent by Advance Funds Network to at least 40 others, and the message didn't contain anopt out notice, which is required by federal law.

Garrett is seeking class status for those who received the unwanted fax messages, and is also seeking an unspecified amount in damages plus court costs.

Garrett is represented by Daniel A. Edelman, Cathleen M. Combs, James O. Latturner and Dulijaza Clark of Edelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin LLC in Chicago.

Advance Funds Network did not respond for a comment on the case.

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division case number 1:15-cv-05616.

1. https://www.advancefundsnetwork.com/

 

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Citigroup Subsidiary Banamex USA to pay $40 Million
Largest Ever Assessed by DBO Against Bank

The Department of Business Oversight (DBO) has announced Citigroup subsidiary Banamex USA will pay the State $40 million in civil penalties to resolve allegations Banamex USA violated federal laws that require banks to maintain adequate anti-money laundering programs.

The $40 million penalty is the largest ever assessed by the DBO against a bank.

Jan Lynn Owen
DBO Commissioner

“Banamex agreed three years ago to correct numerous weaknesses in its anti-money laundering program. It has failed to do so,” said DBO Commissioner Jan Lynn Owen. “This new agreement holds Banamex appropriately accountable for its continued violations.”

The DBO pursued the enforcement action jointly with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC earlier announced the assessment of a $140 million penalty against Banamex, which will be satisfied in part by the DBO’s penalty. The FDIC penalty will be paid to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Citigroup announced that it will close Banamex USA, a three branch
unit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Texas, and Houston, Texas, that did business across the U.S.-Mexico border. They were cited in 2012 to correct their procedures, telling it basically to beef up staff and systems to detect dirty money.

Banamex on Aug. 2, 2012 entered a consent order with the DBO and FDIC.  The order required Banamex to take actions in more than 20 separate areas to correct alleged violations of the federal Bank Secrecy Act, rules governing anti-money laundering and compliance programs, and requirements to report suspicious activity by customers.

Subsequent to the 2012 consent order, the DBO and FDIC found new, substantial violations of the BSA and anti-money laundering mandates over an extended period of time. The “joint stipulation” that lays out the settlement terms states the DBO and FDIC “have reason to believe” Banamex committed numerous violations of federal laws and the 2012 consent order.

Citigroup’s decision to shut down Banamex USA was its own, it said,
and not something that the regulators had imposed. In the meantime,
the Justice Department is reportedly examining whether Banamex USA failed to alert the government about suspicious banking that in some cases involved suspected drug-cartel members.

(Leasing News provides this ad as a trade for appraisals
and equipment valuations provided by Ed Castagna)

 

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SNL Survey Finds Soaring Compliance Costs
Weigh Heavily on Small Banks

SNL Financial Special Report
by Kevin Dobbs

Barney Frank and Chris Dodd, co-sponsors of the Dodd-Frank Act

Compliance costs have surged for many banks in the wake of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, and relations with regulators have deteriorated in many cases, an SNL Financial survey of bankers and other industry professionals found.

At its inception, lawmakers billed Dodd-Frank as a way to curb excessive risk-taking on Wall Street. But as the law hits its fifth anniversary July 21, smaller community banks in particular say the law has instead become a burden on Main Street lenders, with mounds of new regulatory requirements driving up costs and making it increasingly difficult to focus precious resources on bread-and-butter lending and deposit gathering.

In SNL's online survey of 616 readers — conducted between July 2 and July 17 — 35% of respondents said compliance costs have increased 30% or more over the past five years. Another 27% said such costs have climbed 20% to 30%.

An employee at a $500 million bank wrote in response to the survey that, seven years ago, the bank had one full-time staffer handling compliance work. Today, it has a department with six full-time employees "who work tirelessly to ensure compliance with all rules and guidelines," the respondent said, later adding that, "Smaller banks simply do not have the resources to ensure compliance," and that Dodd-Frank "is killing community banks."

One executive at a bank with less than $1 billion in assets who responded to the survey recently got back into traditional banking after a decade long hiatus from 2002 to 2012. "Clearly the cost in dollars, resources and time of regulatory compliance has been the greatest change in banking in that time," the executive wrote in response to the survey. "I have taken more courses, endured more paperwork and spent more meeting time related to new regulations and greater scrutiny than I even imagined."

Respondents were allowed to share their opinions anonymously so that they could address regulatory issues candidly. Some 43% of the responses to the survey came from bank executives; another 40% were from bank employees. About 6% came from regulators, with the remainder coming from others in the industry, including analysts and consultants.

Among responses from bankers, 39% said they worked at a bank with fewer than $1 billion in assets; another 20% came from banks with between $1 billion and $5 billion. Roughly 6% came from banks between $5 billion and $10 billion, 7% from banks $10 billion to $50 billion, and nearly 14% from banks with $50 billion or more. The remainder came from respondents who were not working at banks or who did not indicate their asset size. Responses came from every region of the country.

Against the backdrop of elevated compliance challenges, some 40% of survey respondents said banks' relations with regulators have deteriorated since the Dodd-Frank Act became law, while only 13% said they had improved and 47% said they had remained steady.

"On the part of the field examining staff the attitude has become belligerent, accusatory and negative. And the administration level is worse," one executive at a bank with less than $1 billion in assets said in response to the survey. "There is no understanding or cooperation whatsoever."

Said a regulator who took the survey: "Bankers are now more agitated with regulators and much more combative than what I remember in my 15 years as a regulator."

Many of those surveyed said that, while relations had worsened following the financial crisis and the ensuing Dodd-Frank Act, interactions have in recent years started to level off. "Relations with regulators, after initially deteriorating substantially, are beginning to normalize again," said an employee at a bank with between $5 billion and $10 billion in assets.

The survey found that 33% think the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — an addition of a new regulator to the compliance framework — was the biggest change since Dodd-Frank became law. Another 30% said increased focus on compliance, generally, marked the most notable change.

In response to the survey, one executive at a bank with less than $1 billion in assets called Dodd-Frank "bloated." This banker said the law "amounts to nothing less than a government takeover of consumer lending while passing exorbitant costs along to the banks which in turn pass the costs along to clients. Nothing has been protected, and much has been destroyed. It is purely an example of egregious government overreach."

Bankers were not alone in their criticism of the law. One regulator said Dodd-Frank did not end too big to fail and did not punish those who caused the financial crisis. "Case in point, many of those prominent executives are back/or are getting back into the game again building for the next mortgage boom," the respondent wrote. Another regulator noted that giving banks feedback on Dodd-Frank Act stress tests "has been difficult as there are no 'hard and fast' rules completely established."

A majority of those surveyed — 52% — believe that banks under $1 billion in assets were most negatively impacted by the Dodd-Frank Act.

Respondents noted that while size is generally important, as it is easier to spread out compliance costs over larger asset bases, some banks in notably strong markets or companies with uniquely successful niches can generate robust results. But a majority thinks the smallest banks will continue to struggle with regulatory hardship.

"Most banks can survive, but not necessarily thrive," an executive at a bank with fewer than $1 billion in assets wrote in response to the survey. "The cost of compliance for small community banks under $500 million is horrendous!"

Another executive at a sub-$1 billion bank wrote that banks may need to be larger than $10 billion in assets. "As if economies of scale were not already in favor of the mega-banks, Dodd-Frank essentially sealed that paradigm, despite the fact that the problems that Dodd-Frank was attempting to address were caused primarily by the mega-banks," this executive concluded.

Credit unions worse for wear after 5 years
of Dodd-Frank

SNL Financial Special Report
by Kiah Lau Haslett

Credit unions and community banks may spar over potential customers and the always-contentious member business lending debate, but the institutions do have at least one thing in common: mutual dislike of the Dodd-Frank Act, one of the most significant financial and regulatory reform measures since the Great Depression.

SNL surveyed 180 credit union executives, employees and other industry professionals on the impact Dodd-Frank has had on their institutions in the five years since its passage. The online survey ran from July 2 to July 17. Respondents were allowed to share their opinions anonymously so that they could address regulatory issues candidly. The overall message was overwhelmingly clear: Dodd-Frank has increased compliance costs and regulatory red tape at credit unions, oftentimes making it more difficult to serve members. Nearly 58% of respondents said that Dodd-Frank has had a negative impact on the overall health of the credit union industry.

Half of the respondents identified themselves as credit union executives. About 43% of all respondents came from credit unions with less than $500 million in assets, about 17% came from credit unions of $500 million to $1 billion in assets, and about a quarter came from institutions that had between $1 billion and $5 billion in assets.

Respondents were split in their opinions about how large a credit union must be to survive and thrive under the Dodd-Frank regulatory regime. About 22% believe a credit union needs more than $100 million in assets, another 23% believe a credit union needs more than $500 million in assets, and 17% believe $1 billion is the threshold. More than 75% of all currently operating credit unions in the U.S. have less than $100 million in assets, according to SNL data; almost 17% have assets between $100 million and $500 million.

"I don't see how smaller credit unions can survive and keep up with the regulatory requirements. Members hate the new processes created in the name of protecting them," wrote one respondent who said that credit unions need to have more than $500 million in assets to flourish in a Dodd-Frank world.

But there was a segment of optimism among those polled, with about 29% of respondents saying that all credit unions can survive and thrive in the Dodd-Frank world, regardless of their size. One executive at a credit union in the Northeast with between $500 million and $1 billion in assets wrote that the impact "has not been significant" on that institution. "We have been able to absorb the costs into our operations," the respondent wrote.

Compliance costs have skyrocketed in the five years since the passage of the bill, respondents said. Nearly a quarter said costs increased 20% to 30%; almost 29% said costs grew more than 30%. One respondent reported that employee focus has shifted from operations to compliance and another said that staffing in compliance had doubled.

One executive of an Ohio credit union with less than $500 million in assets reported that compliance costs had "drastically" increased because of "the time it takes to review new regulations and put the required changes in place," including "staff training and retraining, constant reading and comprehending of new requirements, cost of changing forms and adding new forms then changing the same forms again to meet new requirements."

Another executive from a credit union in Massachusetts wrote of the drain Dodd-Frank has caused, despite its good intentions. "It is a very complex and far reaching document that was crafted at a unique time in our industry's history," the respondent said. "It was meant to resolve a number of long-term issues and while at the time the best intentions were meant with the DFA, the ripple [effects of] this many years later are still prevalent and exhausting to comprehend on a day to day basis."

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau remains a thorn in the side of many credit unions, respondents said. More than 46% said its creation was the biggest change to come from the Dodd-Frank Act. One employee at a Michigan credit union with between $500 million and $1 billion in assets said that the CFPB is "out of touch" with the negative impact of its blanket rules, and needs to use more discretion and due diligence when implementing regulations. The employee said Wall Street banks that created the financial crisis "earned" the CFPB as a regulator, but credit unions had not, and added that the bureau's rules have contributed to a number of mergers in the industry, as small- and medium-sized credit unions and community banks are merged into larger institutions.

But the view was not universally shared among respondents, including a more moderate approach from an executive at a credit union in the Southwest with between $500 million and $1 billion in assets.

"[The] CFPB are not the bad guys. They have a legal mandate to protect consumers and are working hard to do just that," the executive wrote. "[Credit unions] should align with CFPB's mission."

This executive said Dodd-Frank has had a positive impact on the health of the credit union industry, but that relationships between trade associations, like the National Association of Federal Credit Unions and Credit Union National Association, and regulators, like the National Credit Union Administration and CFPB, have deteriorated.

One respondent pointed out that auditors have been "more accommodating" to help credit unions transition. Another noted that regulators "are just attempting to do their job."

"We try and keep a good working relationship with our regulators," the respondent wrote.

And then there is the effectiveness of the law. Credit unions pride themselves on customer service and fairness for their members, and some survey respondents believe the consumer protections and the CFPB are redundant and unnecessary for institutions like theirs.

"Credit [unions] were already looking out for our members with clear and conspicuous advertising and disclosures, so we were pretty much in compliance with Dodd-Frank other than the costs of all the monthly statements (instead of loan coupons) and newly required notices," wrote one respondent. An executive from a sub-$500 million credit union in Colorado said Dodd-Frank is harming consumers. "The consumer ultimately pays the price, not only in terms of additional fees [and] costs but also in limited access to products and services," the executive wrote.

Another respondent wondered if consumers are even aware of how the law protects them.

"I think it would be interesting to give a clear picture of what the Dodd-Frank Act was supposed to do for consumers and if it actually did help them," wrote an employee at a Nevada credit union. "Being on the credit union side of things, we see all the things we need to do to meet its requirements, but do consumers even know or care about this act?"

Brad Bracey contributed to this article.

 

 

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##### Press Release ############################

Element Financial and Quick Bridge Funding to Receive
ELFA’s 2015 Operations & Technology Excellence Award

Washington, D.C. — The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) announces that its 2015 Operations and Technology Excellence Award will go to two companies: Element Financial Corporation and Quick Bridge Funding, LLC. The winners were selected by a subcommittee of ELFA members and will be showcased during ELFA’s Operations and Technology Conference, Sept. 16-18 at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, PA.

Hal Hitch
Director of Operations
CIT Equipment Finance

“ELFA’s Operations & Technology Excellence Award was established to recognize innovation, creativity and the employment of newer technologies and operational process improvements,” said Hal Hitch, Director of Operations for CIT Equipment Finance, US and Subcommittee Chair for the award. “The 2015 award applications demonstrated a greater focus on improving the customer experience through the use of cutting-edge technology, and a marked increase in capital spending over prior years, based on the size and scope of the projects submitted. Both winners are inspiring examples of that spirit. We look forward to hearing the sharing of best practices from both winners at the ELFA Operations & Technology Conference in September.”

William G. Sutton, CAE
ELFA President/CEO

“ELFA is pleased to showcase innovative uses of technology in the equipment finance industry,” said William G. Sutton, CAE, ELFA President and CEO. “The operational improvements demonstrated by Element Financial and Quick Bridge Funding serve as models on the effective use of technology in our industry, and further demonstrate how ELFA members are ‘Equipping Business for Success.’”

Element Financial Corporation is recognized for engineering an innovative process to dramatically improve title and registration services across 2,700 unique jurisdictions for their fleet management customers. Element’s approach and the resulting suite of tools significantly improved customers’ experience by enhancing service quality and expediting service delivery. Their efforts also improved internal processes, leading to increased employee productivity and reduced operating expenses. Moving forward, Element will be able to leverage this creative approach across other departments, relying on IT and business collaboration and ongoing data evaluation to produce improved results both internally and for customers. 

Quick Bridge Funding, LLC is recognized for building an innovative, scalable, state-of-the-art enterprise financial platform to manage its entire business. The financial platform is a real-time, web-based work-flow software system with integrated reporting, an innovative Big Data aggregation and decision/intelligence engine with robust third-party integration. The project demonstrated positive impacts through a significant reduction in application cycle time, conversion to a single repository for customer information, API integration with partners, centralized reporting and significant reductions in scoring model validation time. The project team established key values that allowed the project to stay on target and reach its goals; namely, the ability to inspect and adapt throughout, ensure involvement of all impacted functions, and adoption of a clean-slate mentality. As an important barometer of the innovation and cutting-edge technology, a number of potential patents were identified.

The Operations and Technology Excellence Award identifies and recognizes equipment finance organizations that have demonstrated best practices in developing and implementing innovative uses of technology or creative business processes to improve operations, enhance customer interactions, enter new markets and build overall ROI. The program brings the backroom to the foreground, spotlighting the best in the industry as an example for others.

Previous Operations and Technology Excellence Award winners include:

2014: BB&T Equipment Finance Corporation and Wells Fargo Equipment Finance
2013: TCF Equipment Finance, Inc. and SunPower Corporation.
2012: LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. and AIG Commercial Asset Finance
2011: First American Equipment Finance and ICON Capital Corporation
2010: Winthrop Resources Corporation
2009: Key Equipment Finance, PHH Arval
2008: Orion First Financial LLC, Trinity Industries Leasing Co.
2007: TCF Equipment Finance, California First National Bancorp, and Xerox Capital Services
2006: Farm Credit Leasing
2005: Styx Capital, Relational LLC
2004: Cisco Systems Capital Corporation
2003: AgStar Financial Services, National Leasing Group
2002: ABB Financial Services, IBM Global Financing, Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation

For information about the 2015 ELFA Operations and Technology Conference, Sept. 16-18 at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, PA, go to http://www.elfaonline.org/events/2015/OTC/.

About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is the trade association that represents companies in the $903 billion equipment finance sector, which includes financial services companies and manufacturers engaged in financing capital goods. ELFA members are the driving force behind the growth in the commercial equipment finance market and contribute to capital formation in the U.S. and abroad. Its 580 members include independent and captive leasing and finance companies, banks, financial services corporations, broker/packagers and investment banks, as well as manufacturers and service providers. For more information, please visit www.elfaonline.org.

#### Press Release ##############################

Staff Terrier
Chicago Ridge, Illinois - Adopt-a-Dog

Molly
ID #A144056
Spayed
Age: 2 years, 9 months
At Shelter since May 15, 2015
Kennel #A-08

For more information about this animal, call:
Animal Welfare League of Illinois - Chicago Ridge at (708) 636-8586
Ask for information about animal ID number A144056

Animal Welfare League
10305 Southwest Highway
Chicago Ridge, Illinois

Adoption and Viewing Hours:
Monday – Friday   12pm – 9pm
Saturday 11am – 7pm
Sundays   11am – 6pm

Application:
http://www.animalwelfareleague.com/adoptions/application/

Dog adoption fees are $135.00 and include:
• One Canine Distemper (yearly) Vaccination
• Parasite Treatment if needed
• One Year Rabies Vaccination
• Collar/Leash/Tag
• AVID Identification Microchip
• 10 Day Health Guarantee on kennel related illnesses

Adopt a Pet
http://www.adoptapet.com/

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Leasing Conferences 2015
Save the Date 

 

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2015 Eastern Regional Meeting
September 11-12, 2015
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Atlanta, GA

"Registration is now open to join your fellow leasing professionals for the NAELB 2015 Eastern Regional Meeting to be held September 11th and 12th in Atlanta, Georgia. With one and a half days of educational sessions, exhibits and networking, the Eastern Regional Meeting is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your peers and learn new and innovative ways to grow your business."

The 2015 Eastern Regional Meeting will 
include sessions on the following topics:
1. Building a Stronger Broker Community
2. Marketing Tactics
3. Alternative Revenue Solutions
4. Packaging Deals
5. Analyzing Financial Statements

Registration/Agenda/Showcase/Exhibits

Partial Agenda:

THE NAELB VALUE PROPOSITION
      Sheri Bancroft, Mike Parker and Pete Sawyer, NAELB Board Members
 
  
BUILDING A STRONGER BROKER COMMUNITY
Scott Wheeler, Wheeler Business Consulting
Author of “Call to Action”
His new book will be available to purchase

MARKETING TACTICS
Jacklynn Manning, Fora Financial

EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOLUTIONS
Panel will include: Chuck Brazier, TradeRiver USA (Supply Chain Finance), Beth Malin, Pinnacle Specialty Capital (Factoring and Purchase Order Finance), Jeff Schubert, RapidAdvance (Working Capital Loans) and TBD (Asset Based Lending)

 

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2015 Funding Symposium
10/7/2015 to 10/9/2015
Wed through Friday
J W Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel
3300 Lenox Road Northeast
Atlanta, Georgia  30326
United States
Contact: Kim King 
KKing@NEFAssociation.org 
Phone: 847-380-5053

Super Saver registration to Expire 7/31/15

Full Information including pricing, schedule, and reservation:
http://nefassociation.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=594672&group=#

 

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2015 54th Annual Convention
10/25/2015 - 10/27/2015
JW Marriott Hill Country
San Antonio, TX

Early Bird Registration
Register by Monday, August 3, 2015
http://www.elfaonline.org/events/2015/AC/

Brochure with Schedule of Events
http://www.elfaonline.org/cvweb_elfa/cgi-bin/documentdll.dll/view?DOCUMENTNUM=1147

Keynote Speakers
http://www.elfaonline.org/events/2015/AC/spkrs.cfm

ELFA President and CEO Woody Sutton invites you 
to connect, engage and grow in San Antonio! (1:43)

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The 2015 Fall Conference will be held at the Loews Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach, FL on November 4 through November 6, 2015. 

 

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2015 Western Regional Meeting
November 13-14, 2015
Doubletree by Hilton Anaheim - Orange County
Anaheim, CA

 

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CFA
71st Annual Convention
November 11 - 13, 2015
JW Marriott Austin
Austin, TX

More Information
http://cfa.connectedcommunity.org/convention/home

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EXPO NJ Super Regional
11/15/2015 to 11/16/2015
Sunday/Monday

Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe
100 Frank Burr Blvd
Teaneck, New Jersey  07666
United States  

Contact:
 Kim King, NEFA Sr. Association Coordinator 
KKing@NEFAssociation.org 
 Phone: (847) 380-5053

 

News Briefs----

Wells Fargo now most valuable bank in the world
Beats Out China bank $298.4 Billion to $219 Billion
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/banking/bank-watch-blog/article28295164.html

GATX Second Quarter $24.4 MM Net Income
  Net Income Six Months $107.6 MM -$95.2 MM 2014
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150723005314/en/GATX-Corporation-Reports-2015-Second-Quarter-Results#.VbFJDfk2d6I

Qualcomm to cut nearly 5,000 jobs
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/jul/22/Qualcomm-jana-layoffs-smartphones-samsung/

Apple Pay to Hit 1.5 Million Locations by Year-end
http://bankinnovation.net/2015/07/apple-pay-to-hit-1-5-million-locations-by-yearend-cook-says/

Small Exporters Back Obama on Export-Import Bank
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/23/business/small-exporters-back-obama-on-ex-im-bank.html?ref=politics 

Dutch Car leasing company LeasePlan sold for €3.7 billion
http://www.nltimes.nl/2015/07/23/car-leasing-company-leaseplan-sold-for-e3-7-billion/

The fleet car leasing market in the US to grow at a CAGR of 4.16% over the period 2014-2019
http://www.whatech.com/market-research/transport/77792-the-fleet-car-leasing-market-in-the-us-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-4-16-over-the-period-2014-2019

Amazon Reports Unexpected Profit, and Stock Soars
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/24/technology/amazon-earnings-q2.html?ref=business&_r=0

Starbucks Profit Jumps 22%
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/24/business/starbucks-profit-jumps-22-chief-cites-increase-in-customer-traffic.html?ref=business

Thomas Keller’s Per Se Agrees to Pay $500,000
After Withholding Servers’ Tips
http://www.grubstreet.com/2015/07/per-se-service-fee-agreement.html

Lawsuit Claims This Almond Milk Brand Doesn’t Have Enough Almonds - Only 2%
http://time.com/3967752/almond-milk-lawsuit/

Experienced Sales Manager Central Region Develop/maintain relationships with NEC Dealers and Resellers. Meet with potential large customers to structure new lease and financial service opportunities. Full job description and application here www.necam.com A leading provider of innovative IT, biometrics, network, and communications products and solutions for service carriers and Fortune 1000 and SMB businesses across multiple vertical industries, including healthcare, government, education, and hospitality.

 

 

[headlines]
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--You May Have Missed It

How Do Mobile Payments Impact Tips?
http://www.fsrmagazine.com/kitchen-sink/how-do-mobile-payments-impact-tips

[headlines]
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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

How a Good Gut Keeps You Healthy
Want a Healthy Body? Cultivate a Healthy Gut
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1975

[headlines]
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Baseball Poem

Crouching low, I sing the blues

The aches are now a part of me

Blocking home, I sing the blues

0, the aches are now a part of me

Bruises, bumps, and scrapes

Have worn me down, can't you see?

 

My knees sing the blues

They sing 'em when I stoop and bend

My knees sing the blues

0, they sing 'em when I stoop and bend

They crunch, crackle, pop

The hurtful noises never end.

 

My fingers sing the blues

When I grip a ball or make a fist

0, my fingers sing the blues

When I grip a ball or make a fist

The knuckles moan and cry

By fire every one is kissed

 

Crouching low, I sing the blues

The aches are now a part of me

Blocking home, I sing the blues

0, these aches are now a part of me

Too many bruises, bumps, and scrapes

I'm nothing like I used to be.

 

No, nothing like I used to be

 

[headlines]
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Sports Briefs----

As Hall Induction Nears, Pedro Martinez
 Looks Back on Best Pitching Season Ever
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2528821-as-hall-induction-nears-pedro-martinez-looks-back-on-best-pitching-season-ever 

Is there a deal to be made on Deflategate?
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/07/23/there-deal-made-deflategate/TWY9uaDKWQgvVQC9DHnDmM/story.html#

Report: Considerable support for Brady's ban
http://www.theredzone.org/BlogDescription/tabid/61/EntryId/50787/Report--Considerable-support-for-Brady-s-ban/Default.aspx

Hall of Fame wait over for Tim Brown
http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders/ci_28529160/hall-fame-wait-over-tim-brown

49ers turn to virtual reality for practice edge
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article28448776.html

Five Things to Know about the 49ers Before Camp Opens
www.pressdemocrat.com/sports/4241600-181/grant-cohn-5-things-to

Peyton Manning creates fund to help families
  of Chattanooga shooting victims
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/07/peyton-manning-chattanooga-shooting-heroes-fund-tennessee

 

(Leasing News provides this ad “gratis” as a means
to help support the growth of Lease Police)

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

Apple signs two big Santa Clara leases in fresh expansion
http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_28529663/apple-signs-two-big-santa-clara-leases-fresh

California drought: Santa Clara County residents cut water
  use 35 percent in June, beating conservation goal
http://www.mercurynews.com/drought/ci_28529419/california-drought-santa-clara-county-residents-cut-water

[headlines]
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“Gimme that Wine”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8

BR Cohn sold to Vintage Wine Estates
http://www.sonomanews.com/home/4241706-181/br-cohn-sold-to-vintage#page=0#ktUS8uDiHExE5WUa.97

Randall Grahm's Estate Vineyard project at Popelouchum
   to Discover a New World Grand Cru
http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getNewsIssue&issueId=7787

How Greece's Debt Crisis Is Impacting Its Wine Industry
http://www.eater.com/2015/7/21/9002767/greek-debt-crisis-impact-wine-greece

Arcane laws still plague wine shipment
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/4215578-181/berger-arcane-laws-still-plague

I tried the fruits of New Holland’s self-propelled harvesters
http://journaltimes.com/news/local/i-tried-the-fruits-of-new-holland-s-self-propelled/article_ac5105c2-aacb-5802-9930-47ea094f0277.html

Free Mobile Wine Program
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2010/2_26.htm#mobile

Wine Prices by vintage
http://www.winezap.com
http://www.wine-searcher.com/

US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/

Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm