State Banking Commissioner Spearheads National Bank Survey With Feds

Last week, the Federal Reserve and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors unveiled a new report that includes survey data from a wide swath of community banks. More than 1,000 bankers took part in the survey and another 1,300 bankers participated in town halls between April and July to contribute to the report.

Titled “Community Banking in the 21st Century: Opportunities, Challenges and Perspectives,” the 72-page report analyzes a number of banking industry issues. Despite a tough environment, stricter mortgage lending standards, and regulatory squeezing, bankers seem determined to adapt.

“The survey identifies very few banks looking to exit any products or services. Areas where banks are looking to expand are largely centered on technology, including mobile banking, online loan applications and remote deposit capture,” the survey said.

Also, while we’ve seen a lot of bank merger activity in Arkansas from banks such as Bank of the Ozarks, Simmons First, and Centennial Bank, Arkansas may be the exception to the rule.

“The survey asked four questions about receiving and making offers. Given the size of the industry, the survey results do not seem to suggest a significant amount of actual or planned activity in this area,” the report concluded.

Arkansas State Bank Department Commissioner Candace Franks had a very active role in the report through her chairmanship of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. Franks provides a foreword for the high-profile report.

Access the final study at this link.