View from CBA February 8, 2013

February 8, 2013

DC Day

Members of CBA’s of Board of Directors and Government Relations Council (GRC) traveled to Washington, DC on Wednesday and met with key lawmakers to discuss CBA’s 2013 legislative agenda and the current state of retail banking. The top issues for the day were the need for structural reforms to the CFPB to ensure it is not a political football for years to come. The group also educated lawmakers on the recent CFPB mortgage rules, the strength of the banking industry and the need for Congress to provide certainty to small businesses and consumers. 

The group met with a number of key Members of Congress for the banking industry including a robust discussion with Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID). House Financial Institutions Subcommittee Vice Chairman Jim Renacci (R-OH) kicked-off the morning and talked to our senior executives about the CFPB and small business lending. This was followed by a very productive roundtable discussion with House Financial Services Committee New Dems Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Carney (D-DE). Other meetings included Republican Conference Chairman Senator John Thune, senators Pat Toomey (R-PA), Bob Corker (R-TN), Dean Heller (R-NV), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), and David Vitter (R-LA) and Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-TX). In addition, meetings were held with the Banking Committee Chairman Johnson’s (D-SD) staff director and the majority staff director for the Senate Small Business Committee. Overall, it was a great day on Capitol Hill as all the offices expressed a strong willingness to end the overall uncertainty which is a major obstacle for the economy. 

CBA thanks Board Chair Bob Kottler (IBERIABANK), GRC Chair Ross Carey (US Bank), Andy Harmening (Bank of the West), Cathy Nash (Citizens Republic), David Bohne (USAA), Jeff Hooper (SunTrust), Sarah Long (PNC), Mark Pregmon (PNC), Jon Bass (BB&T), John Ward (First American), Cliff McCauley (Frost Bank) and Andrew Fornarola (First Niagara) for their participation. 

Day Trippin' to Orlando

I traveled to Orlando on Thursday to visit Popular Bank where Frank Davis showed me around their call center. We discussed the regulatory environment and the biggest issues currently facing our industry. 

While in Florida, I attended the AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference and spoke on a "Washington Update" panel with Joel Winston of Hudson Cook (CBA sponsor) and Rick Hackett from the CFPB. Rick Hackett announced upcoming guidance with regard fair lending issues in indirect auto lending. While we welcome clear rules of the road in this area, we are still concerned about possible enforcement actions in this area. 

CBA Premier Sponsors in DC

Our Premier Sponsors Equifax, LPS and Novantas also gathered in DC this week for a dinner with CBA leadership and team members to discuss CBA LIVE 2013. Attendees shared feedback and ideas for the future of the CBA- premier sponsor relationship. Premier sponsors enjoy the full benefits of CBA Associate Membership as well as added premier benefits throughout the year; a 365-day relationship with CBA and our members. 

It is vital CBA remains closely engaged with top industry partners like Equifax, LPS and Novantas  to ensure we can provide value and thought leadership to our bank members. 

GSRBM – Back to Class

Make sure you check out the new GSRBM banking school catalog and mark your calendars: applications are due May 15, 2013. Space is limited and admission is competitive. I hope to see many of you in Greenville for classes in July! 

New Committee Members

I am pleased to announce our Committee participation continues to grow. Welcome to our newest members:

  • Lorraine Faust, Vice President, Compliance Officer, IBERIABANK - Fair & Responsible Banking Committee
  • Robert Griffin, Vice President, Indirect Lending Manager, Commerce Bank - Automobile Finance Committee
  • Brian Hale, Vice President, Vice President Product & Strategy, M&T Bank - Deposits & Payments Committee
  • David Hanson, Senior Vice President, Checking and Debit Products, Bank of America - Deposits & Payments Committee
  • Dan Kriebel, Senior Vice President, Director, Loss Mitigation/SPOC Account Management, First Tennessee Bank - Default Management Committee
  • Kelly Mankin, Senior Vice President, Head of U.S. Product, TD Bank - Automobile Finance Committee

Foundation - Banking on Youth

A big thanks to PNC for signing on as both a Hill and Silver Level Sponsor for the 2013 Banking on Youth Competition!