Reputation Risk Is Changing, but Governance Still Matters
For financial institutions, reputation has long been closely tied to customer confidence, operational stability, and long-term success. However, recent regulatory developments are changing how federal banking agencies evaluate reputation risk during examinations. While regulators are moving away from treating reputation risk as a separate supervisory conc
Year-End ALM Checkup: Deposits, Liquidity, and Rate-Sensitive Earnings
As banks move toward year-end planning, asset-liability management deserves a fresh look. Interest rate pressure, changing deposit behavior, funding costs, and securities positioning continue to shape earnings and liquidity conversations. The FDIC’s 2026 Risk Review points to funding, interest rates, liquidity, net interest margins, deposit growth, and wholes
Model Risk Management After SR 26-2: A Practical Review for 2027 Planning
Model risk management has long been a core part of sound governance for financial institutions, but the expectations around it are changing. In April 2026, the Federal Reserve, OCC, and FDIC issued revised model risk management guidance through SR 26-2 and related agency releases. The guidance replaces SR 11-7 and SR 21-8 and places greater […]
Bank Secrecy Act Updates: What Financial Institutions Should Be Watching
The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) remains a critical component of the regulatory framework for financial institutions. As financial crime risks evolve and regulatory expectations continue to shift, institutions are placing increased attention on how their BSA programs are structured, monitored, and maintained. Recent developments ar
Compliance Management Systems: Building a Stronger Foundation for Risk and Regulation
Compliance management systems (CMS) are a cornerstone of effective risk management for financial institutions. As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, institutions are placing greater emphasis on building structured, well-documented systems that support consistent compliance across the organization. A strong CMS does more than help meet regulatory
Leadership and Mentorship: Building Stronger Financial Institutions from Within
Leadership development and mentorship are gaining renewed attention across financial institutions. As the industry continues to evolve, organizations are recognizing that long-term success depends not only on strategy and technology, but also on the strength of their people. With shifting workforce expectations, increasing complexity, and ongoing suc
Loan Portfolio Reviews: Strengthening Insight into Credit Risk and Performance
Loan portfolio reviews have long been a foundational practice for financial institutions, but their importance is growing in today’s environment. As economic conditions shift and borrower performance becomes less predictable, institutions are placing greater emphasis on understanding what is happening beneath the surface of their portfolios. A well-exec
Internal Audit Outsourcing: A Strategic Approach to Risk and Compliance
Internal audit functions play a critical role in helping financial institutions manage risk, maintain compliance, and strengthen internal controls. As regulatory expectations evolve and operational complexity increases, many institutions are reassessing how this function is structured and delivered. For some, outsourcing or co-sourcing internal a
Credit Risk & Asset Quality: Staying Ahead in a More Selective Lending Environment
Credit risk and asset quality remain central to financial institution performance, especially as economic conditions continue to shift. While many institutions have maintained strong capital positions in recent years, emerging pressures are prompting a closer review of loan portfolios, underwriting standards, and risk monitoring practices. For leadership tea
Preparing for Exams: Key Considerations for Financial Institutions
Supervisory exams may follow a familiar cycle, but they are rarely routine. Each review reflects evolving regulatory priorities, shifting risk expectations, and closer scrutiny of how financial institutions manage compliance, operations, cybersecurity, and consumer protection. Preparation today is not a short-term project. It is embedded in daily governance and