Ahead of the Curve: A Banker's Podcast

How frontline staff can help detect human trafficking

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Know the red flags of human trafficking

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the news, public safety agencies, anti-trafficking task forces, advocacy organizations, and media outlets are raising concerns about the potential for increased human trafficking activity surrounding a major international sporting event. Human trafficking remains a persistent danger in communities around the world, and is often closer to home than you'd think. In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Elkanick Oder of the Texas Advocacy Project to explore how banks and credit unions can help detect human trafficking and even support survivors as they rebuild their financial lives.

Listen in to learn what key words and phrases frontline staff should be trained to investigate further, what challenges survivors of human trafficking face after leaving abusive situations, and how new payment rails are impacting the way human traffickers operate. Amanda also shares what training Texas Advocacy Project can offer financial institutions looking to shore up their communities against trafficking and how transaction data can also be an indicator of a financially abusive situation.

About the guest:

Amanda Elkanick Oder is the Chief Advocacy and Education Officer at Texas Advocacy Project, a statewide nonprofit law firm providing free legal and social services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. A nationally recognized leader in the movement to end abuse, Amanda brings over 20 years of experience in program development, public policy, and systems advocacy. She leads statewide training initiatives, advances legislative strategies, and builds enduring cross-sector partnerships to expand access to justice. Amanda regularly presents at national and statewide conferences and serves on multiple task forces focused on legal reform, systems advocacy, coordinated community response to violence, and maternal health equity.

Helpful links:

Texas Advocacy Project training and outreach resources

The FIFA World Cup and human trafficking: Know the red flags

Human trafficking awareness webinar: Detecting, reporting, and partnering for survivors

Human trafficking: Closer to home than you think

No black boxes allowed: Secure, explainable AI for financial institutions (with Danny Piangerelli)

Fri, 01 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400

As AI adoption accelerates across financial services, banks and credit unions face a critical challenge: how to innovate without compromising trust, transparency, or regulatory compliance. In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, we sit down with Danny Piangerelli, Chief Technology Officer at Abrigo, to explore how Abrigo is building and scaling AI responsibly within highly regulated environments.

Listen in to learn how explainability and auditability are embedded into AI-driven solutions, why “human-in-the-loop” design remains essential, and how Abrigo’s agentic framework—including AskAbrigo—is transforming how financial institutions securely interact with their data. Danny also shares how AI is reshaping software development, empowering teams through an “Iron Man” approach, and what fintech leaders should consider as they navigate the balance between innovation and stability.

About the guest:

Danny Piangerelli, Vice President of Engineering at Abrigo, is responsible for Data and AI Platform engineering. He previously served as CTO at BankiFi, CTO at Sensibill, and Co-Founder and CTO of Malauzai Software, which was acquired by Finastra in 2018. Danny has over 30 years of experience in software engineering, architecture, and leadership, driving technology strategy and execution. He has been instrumental in advancing Abrigo’s AI capabilities, including the development of explainable machine learning models, agent-based frameworks like AskAbrigo, and modernized development practices that accelerate product delivery while maintaining rigorous standards for auditability and trust.

Helpful links:

AskAbrigo: Secure AI-powered knowledge and data interaction

Bold intelligence: AI’s expanding role in AML & fraud

5 Common lending challenges and how lending software can help

CU AI strategy: From adoption to operational advantage - Abrigo

Data quality, AI, and the future of financial crime compliance (with Sarabjeet Singh and Greg Pinn)

Fri, 01 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

As sanctions risk intensifies and regulatory expectations grow more complex, financial institutions are under increasing pressure to strengthen and defend their compliance programs. In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, we sit down with Greg Pinn of Abrigo and Sarabjeet Singh, Founder and CEO of RZOLUT, to explore how data quality, risk visibility, and AI are reshaping financial crime compliance.

Listen in to learn how expectations around data have evolved, why a unified view across sanctions, PEPs, and watchlists is critical, and how banks and credit unions can responsibly adopt AI while maintaining trust, transparency, and defensibility.

About the guests:

Sarabjeet Singh is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Product Architect of RZOLUT, bringing more than three decades of global experience in financial crimes compliance. With a strong Big 4 background, including leadership roles at KPMG and EY, his expertise spans AML, KYC, sanctions, and regulatory transformation. Sarabjeet has designed and operated large compliance Centers of Excellence for global banks and FinTechs, including multi-year programs for Top Wall Street banks and global payment providers, combining operational scale, machine learning, and automation. His teams have built and maintained global AML datasets for more than a decade. Through RZOLUT, he enables institutions to leverage high-quality data and adopt enterprise-grade screening and due diligence aligned with modern regulatory expectations.

Greg Pinn has spent over 20 years building software products and data solutions to solve AML and financial crime challenges for global financial institutions. His work has included developing sanctions, watchlist, and PEP screening solutions, cryptocurrency compliance tools, adverse media offerings, and advanced risk data products. At Abrigo, Greg leads the development of innovative scan solutions that help banks and credit unions confidently navigate regulatory and operational challenges.

Helpful links:

Rzolut | Compliance, Connected

What happens when sanctions screening fails

The new sanctions reality: Why community financial institutions need enterprise-grade screening

Modernizing sanctions screening for U.S. community financial institutions - Abrigo

Exploring agentic tools with Ravi Nemalikanti (at AWS Re:Invent)

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0500

For the last episode of 2025, get to know Abrigo's CTO, Ravi Nemalikanti, as he talks about his AI philosophy at Amazon's AWS Re:Invent conference. Listen in to learn about the metrics Abrigo considers when making decisions about machine learning in its solutions, ensuring that those decisions support community banks and credit unions.

About the guest:

Ravi Nemalikanti is Abrigo’s Chief Product and Technology Officer and is responsible for leading technology strategy and determining product and development priorities to drive innovation and increase the company’s competitive advantage. Ravi is the Winner of the 2024 Haas Technology Leadership Awardee for North America by Carlyle, an award given to celebrate an exceptional technology leader. Before joining Abrigo in 2022, Ravi was the CTO of Digital Banking at NCR Corp., where he led the organization’s digital-first banking technology roadmap. Earlier, he held leadership roles in Tax and accounting, Global Trade, and Risk Management during 14 years at Thomson Reuters. Ravi holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Andhra University in Andhra Pradesh, India, and an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

Helpful links:

AI Hub - Abrigo

Webinar: AI strategy for banking: Unlock the most value - Abrigo

Bringing a fintech attitude to your financial institution (with Gary Fan)

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, we sit down with Gary Fan, Chief Operating Officer at Royal Business Bank, to unpack what real innovation looks like inside a modern community bank. With experience spanning fintech, global institutions, and community banking, Gary brings a rare perspective on how regional banks can move faster, differentiate smarter, and still stay grounded in sound risk management.

Listeners will hear:

Advice for launching new products without massive R&D teams
How to build strong relationships with regulators early (and why it matters)
Where AI and emerging tech actually fit into a bank’s strategic roadmap
What the next generation of bank leaders and customers will expect
How Royal Business Bank is positioning itself to compete through product design, niche markets, and cultural evolution

If you’ve ever wondered how a bank can innovate without losing its identity—or how smaller institutions can compete in a fintech-driven world—this episode offers fresh, grounded, and actionable insight.

About the guest:

Gary Fan is the Chief Operating Officer of RBB, a publicly traded bank with over $4 billion in assets. As COO, Gary leads enterprise-wide growth initiatives, digital transformation, product and service innovation, and strategic M&A activity. He is also responsible for optimizing cross-functional operations and driving continuous business model evolution to stay ahead in a rapidly changing financial landscape.

Previously, Gary served as President of Gateway Bank FSB in Oakland, CA, where he successfully led a full-scale turnaround, overseeing all retail and commercial banking units and restoring profitability. His leadership has consistently delivered measurable results across diverse financial institutions.

Gary’s career spans senior roles at global financial organizations, including CTBC Bank, where he served as Head of Strategy for North America and Head of Consumer Lending for its U.S. subsidiary. His expertise includes fintech integration, strategic partnerships, market expansion, long-range planning, and organizational restructuring.

With P&L responsibility over multi-billion-dollar lending portfolios, Gary has led high-performing teams across Sales, Marketing, Retail and Commercial Banking, Operations, Credit Administration, Finance, IT & Security, HR, Legal, PMO, and Real Estate. His cross-industry experience includes Banking, Fintech, E-Commerce, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain & Logistics.

Gary holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at The Wharton School.

Helpful links:

Read about Royal Business Bank.

Learn about how AI integrates into Abrigo solutions: AI solutions for banks

Give ideas a seat at the table (with professional innovator and ThinkBIG keynote Kyle Scheele)

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0400

This episode's guest is author, speaker, and "patron saint of crazy ideas" Kyle Scheele. Listen in as he makes the case that creativity at financial institutions isn’t confined to marketing teams—it’s simply problem-solving, and it belongs to everyone at your organization. He shares why “culture eats strategy,” explains the importance of making space for innovation in a traditional industry, and suggests practical ways leaders can experiment to reduce the big risk that all community FIs face: losing customers to more innovative competitors.

We'll explore:

The risk of losing customers to fintechs and how creativity helps you win trust.
“Commit to the bit”: the surprising power of shared enthusiasm to build culture and collaboration.
Two questions leaders should ask to unlock hidden solutions already inside the organization.
Lightweight systems to surface employee ideas and how strong cultures act like magnets for attracting new talent.

About the guest:

Whether he's holding a Viking funeral for the regrets of 21,000 people, hosting the world's first fake marathon, or gaining a million TikTok followers in just 25 hours, Kyle Scheele is always on the lookout for crazy ideas that produce wildly outsized outcomes. Over the last decade, his projects have been featured in prominent outlets Fast Company, WIRED, The Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, UpWorthy, and Goalcast, among others. His videos have been viewed over 250 million times, and he has spoken to hundreds of thousands of audience members across the United States. More than anything, Kyle hopes that his story can inspire others to chase their own crazy ideas and become the people they were meant to be.

Helpful links:

Read about one of Kyle's projects: Home Run Marathon attracts more participants than Boston Marathon on TikTok - The Washington Post

Hear more from Kyle at Abrigo's 2026 ThinkBIG Conference.

Moving fast, staying safe: What FIs need to know about stablecoins and RTP

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0400

Join us for an in-depth conversation on the topic of real-time payments, specifically the introduction of Stablecoin. In this conversation, we will discuss

Definitions and differences of RTP vs Stablecoin
Benefits and risks associated with both
Regulatory concerns
What financial institutions need to do to prepare for the more general adoption of this type of technology

We hope you enjoy the podcast.

Financially motivated sextortion: Old crime, new twist

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Sadly, extortion and sexual exploitation are nothing new to the world, but today, we discuss a new twist to these old crimes. Learn how criminal organizations are preying on the younger generation and ways you can identify these crimes. Our moderator, Terri Luttrell, will steer the conversation with Alison Jimenez, our expert, to provide everyone with a working knowledge of these crimes.

Tariffs, technology, and trust: Duncan Taylor on the forces shaping community banking

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, we discuss the ripple effects of global trade, regulatory shifts, and advancing fraud threats with Duncan Taylor, SVP and Chief Operating Officer of the Washington Bankers Association.

Tune in as we explore:

How tariffs and international trade tensions are impacting regional and agricultural banks
What community banks should know about regulatory rollbacks and CFPB scrutiny
The growing risks in fraud and why human nature, not just error, must be addressed
How to prioritize responsible AI, compliance, and customer trust in tech investments

About the guest:

Duncan Taylor serves as SVP and COO of the Washington Bankers Association and President of both CareerWork$ and WBA Professional Services, Inc. A seasoned association management leader and not-for-profit consultant, Duncan brings a unique blend of operational expertise and policy insight. With deep roots in the industry, Taylor is passionate about financial education, responsible innovation, and building resilient communities through banking. He’s also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School and a self-professed bank data nerd who loves breaking down complex topics into approachable, actionable strategies. You can hear him talk trivia and show off his history knowledge on the Last Call Trivia Podcast.

Helpful links:

Bank spotlight: How self-serve technology and financial literacy programming have paid off for BankFive

Mon, 05 May 2025 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, you'll hear innovative ideas on financial literacy programs and leveraging technology for better customer service from Anne Tangen, President and CEO of BankFive.

Tune in as we discuss:

How to engage customers in learning about improving their credit
The role of financial literacy in getting the right loan products in front of customers
What BankFive is doing to improve its customer experience with thoughtfully designed branches
How Tangen and her team have prioritized keeping a human touch in new self-serve technologies and how the investment has paid off

About the guest:

Anne P. Tangen joined BankFive in 2020 as its President and CEO. She has had a long and distinguished career in financial services, having served in various senior roles at Fidelity Investments, State Street Bank, and The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. A respected leader in the industry, she sits on several high-profile boards, including the Massachusetts Bankers Association and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s First District’s Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC), which advises the Fed on the local economy, lending conditions, and other issues. In addition, she has been featured in the Boston Business Journal, Banker & Tradesman, and Bloomberg Radio Boston, and as a speaker at the New England Bankers Annual Conference and Future Branches Boston.

Anne is involved in various local nonprofits, including the Alden Pettengill Foundation Board of Argosy Collegiate Charter School in Fall River and the Savings Banks Employees Retirement Association (SBERA). She also serves on the Endowment Committee for the Fall River Historical Society.

Helpful links:

Webpage: About | BankFive

Webpage: Change Management Services | Abrigo

Blog: How accountants can leverage technology to boost client financial literacy, loyalty

Balancing AI capabilities and human expertise in loan review and beyond

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, we explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the loan review process, making it more efficient, accurate, and compliant—while ensuring that human expertise remains essential.

Joining us is Steve Wert, Vice President of DiCom Loan Review Solutions at Abrigo. With over 20 years of experience in market strategy and technology, Steve has played a pivotal role in the evolution of credit risk management. Previously, he served as President and CEO of DiCOM Software, a market-leading credit risk management solution that is now a part of Abrigo. His insights into AI-driven banking solutions provide a unique perspective on how technology can empower financial professionals rather than replace them.

Tune in as we discuss:

How AI enhances, rather than replaces, human decision-making in loan reviews
The role of AI in risk assessment, compliance, and efficiency
Ethical considerations and how banks can integrate AI responsibly
The future of AI in credit risk management and continuous monitoring

Helpful links:

Webpage: AI Solutions for Banks

Webpage: Loan Review Assistant

Blog: Generative AI in credit risk management: A game changer for loan review

The cannabis banking conundrum: Risks, regulations, and what’s next

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500

With a new administration in office, speculation is running high on what the future holds for financial institutions working within the cannabis-related business (CRB) industry.

Today's guest is Kevin Gulledge, Senior Risk Management Consultant at Abrigo and a seasoned expert in financial compliance. With extensive experience guiding banks and credit unions through the challenges of serving CRBs, Kevin brings valuable insight into the regulatory and operational hurdles financial institutions face.

In this episode, we’ll break down the current speculation surrounding cannabis banking under the new administration, what we’re hearing from bankers on the front lines, and any proposals in the pipeline that could impact financial institutions. Plus, we’ll explore the unknowns—those lingering uncertainties that could shape the future of CRB banking.

Helpful links:

CRB insights webpage: MJBizDaily | Cannabis Industry Financial & Legal News

Podcast: Banking on cannabis: Breaking down the SAFER Banking Act

Whitepaper: Providing financial services to cannabis-related businesses

Blog: Cannabis lending for financial institutions: Best practices

M&A accounting best practices for financial institutions

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Bank mergers and acquisitions are on the rise, with institutions looking to expand, scale technology investments, and enhance profitability. But the accounting side of these deals—Day 1 valuation, CECL modeling, and income recognition—can introduce unexpected complexities that impact deal success.

In this episode, Abrigo Advisory’s Neekis Hammond and Derek Hipp bring their accounting expertise to discuss key accounting considerations for M&A transactions, such as common pitfalls and how leveraging data can streamline the transition. Join us to learn best practices for banks preparing for future acquisitions.

Helpful links:

Whitepaper: Valuation and purchase accounting in a dynamic macroenvironment

Webinar: Valuation and purchase accounting: Navigating the changing M&A landscape

Advisory services: Bank Valuation Services - Purchase Accounting Services

Updates on CFPB 1071 and 1033 for community financial institutions

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500

The CFPB 1071 regulation has sparked plenty of debate and concern among financial institutions. Since our last 107 1 episode in March, there have been some key developments, including the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the CFPB’s funding structure and the new administration's 60-day pause on the rule. We’ll discuss how community financial institutions are responding—whether with resignation, adaptation, or continued hesitancy—and the practical steps they’re taking to comply.

Up next is an overview of CFPB 1033, the open banking rule, and what it means for community banks as they face new requirements for consumer data access and sharing. Learn how financial institutions can prepare, the role of technology in compliance, and how community banks can maintain their high-touch customer relationships while adapting to these changes. We'll also touch on what deregulation could mean for small business lending in 2025 and how banks can position themselves for growth.

Our guest is Paula King, CPA, Principal Consultant for Abrigo Advisory Services. King assists financial institutions with CECL, credit processes, model validations, and more. A former banker and bank co-founder, she has held executive positions (CFO, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer) and has more than 25 years of experience across all aspects of banking, including financial and asset/liability management, credit, services and product development, and director responsibilities.

Helpful links:

Webinar: Understanding the impact of CFPB 1071 on small business lending

Blog: The CFPB section 1071 effective date

Software: Small Business Loan Origination Software

Why core deposit studies matter: Using your bank's data wisely

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

While having data is valuable, the key to success is knowing how to interpret and effectively use that data. Core deposit studies can enhance the value of your institution’s non-maturity deposit sector, improving pricing betas and reducing funding costs. But how can you be sure you're considering the right factors when analyzing your portfolio?

Join us as Abrigo Senior Consultant Urum Urumoglu discusses how to best understand the behavior of depositors and how those depositors impact your balance sheet.

Helpful links:

Blog: Why it is critical to update your core deposit study

Webinar: Deposit behaviors are changing: Tracking and monitoring them in the new environment

Whitepaper: 6 Reasons to update core deposit analysis

Case study: Home Federal Bank partners with Abrigo experts for core deposit analysis

Navigating upcoming rate changes: How to manage liquiditiy

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

With many experts predicting that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates this week, this episode delves into what financial institutions should expect now that rate drops are on the horizon. Banks and credit unions are under pressure to reevaluate their strategies for managing deposits, loans, and overall financial health. We will explore topics such as:

The implications of expected rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and how institutions can adjust to a falling-rate environment.
Why liquidity remains a critical concern with deposits becoming a scarce resource and borrowings and brokered funds increasing to meet liquidity needs.
The potential for earnings pressure on bank margins as financial institutions struggle to lower deposit costs in line with falling yields.
How rate cuts may impact capital structure, particularly around OCI on bonds and capitalization levels.

Our guest is Dave Koch, Director of Advisory Services at Abrigo, who brings decades of experience in working with financial institutions. In this episode, Koch breaks down the current consensus on rate cuts, what they mean for financial institutions, and how to navigate an industry facing liquidity constraints and depositor expectations for higher returns.

Learn more about the proposed brokered deposits rule here.

Helpful links:

Webinar: How to track and monitor deposit behaviors
Podcast: Outsourcing ALM: Best practices for the current interest rate landscape
Checklist: Choosing an effective ALM model

Ensuring access to the FFIEC's "suitable resources" at your financial institution: What BSA Compliance Officers need to know

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400

It is a BSA Compliance officer's job to make sure their institutions are in compliance with the latest from the FFIEC. That means getting their boards and leadership invested in following AML/CFT best practices. In today's episode, we'll explore the FFIEC's list of critical elements for a BSA program—from adequate staffing and expertise to the technological systems necessary for identifying and managing risks.

Our guest is Hannakah Rubin, a Senior Client Development Consultant with Abrigo, who brings over 24 years of experience in the financial institution and software industry. Hannakah has not only developed Compliance, Fraud, and BSA Programs from the ground up but has also worked extensively with financial institutions to incorporate automated solutions into their compliance efforts.

Learn more about upcoming AML/CFT certification and training events.

Helpful links:

Survey: State of Fraud 2024: Key findings and recommendations for FIs
Infographic: 6 Steps for compliance with new AML/CFT program rules
Checklist: Elements of an effective SAR narrative

Outsourcing ALM: Best practices for the current interest rate landscape

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

With interest rates having shifted dramatically, financial institutions find themselves navigating uncharted territory, grappling with how to adapt their ALM strategies to the new normal. Join us as Abrigo Director of Sales and Professional Services Dave Koch, an experienced asset/liability management advisor, delves into the complexities of the current economic landscape and its impact on community banks.

In this episode, we'll discuss the current regulatory outlook, the importance of a realistic approach to interest rate forecasts, the potential benefits and pitfalls of ALM outsourcing, and the need for ALM advisors to work closely with banks to ensure their strategies are well-informed and effectively implemented. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to manage ALM effectively in today’s volatile interest rate environment.

Helpful links:

Webinar: Effective risk management: Controlling liquidity and interest rate challenges

Success Story: Excel Bank gains interest rate risk management expertise with Abrigo

Checklist: Checklists for evaluation ALM vendors

Check out the series!

Ahead of the curve: A banker's podcast

Looking for ideas, tips, and best practices to take your financial institution to the next level? Look no further than this podcast featuring insights from banking leaders and advisors across the industry. We’ll tackle a range of topics — technology implementation, loan grading, banking cannabis, and more to ensure you stay ahead of the curve in this fast-changing environment.

You can find all episodes of the podcast on abrigo.com or on your favorite podcast app or platform.

Elder financial exploitation and elder abuse: Statistics, FinCEN guidance, and how you can help

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400

As the global population of individuals aged 60 and over is projected to increase by 38% between 2019 and 2030, elder abuse and elder financial exploitation (EFE) are becoming increasingly prevalent issues. This demographic shift, particularly in the developing world, brings attention to the unique challenges older persons face, including those related to human rights and financial security. Elder fraud, a severe form of EFE, continues to grow at an alarming rate. If it hasn't already, it is likely to impact your client base or family in the near future.

In this episode, Abrigo consultants Melissa Mantooth, CAMS, and Elissa Brewer, CAMS, share their knowledge of prevalent schemes and red flags, as well as a brief overview of safe harbor laws around EFE that may impact banks and credit unions. As financial institutions educate their customers on fraud, it's important that they keep an extra watchful eye out for scams impacting older clients.

Listen in for insights into ways to prevent elder fraud in your community.

Helpful links:

Blog: Elder fraud: Preventing elder financial exploitation at your institution

Webinar: Guarding your institution: Strategies for a fraud prevention program

Webinar: Elder fraud: The fight for seniors' financial security

Check out the series!

Ahead of the curve: A banker's podcast

You can find all episodes of the podcast on abrigo.com or on your favorite podcast app or platform.

CFPB 1071 and the future of small business lending: What, when, and where to start

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires financial institutions to collect and report data on small business lending to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The details of the CFPB 1071 rule are laid out in an extensive 888-page document, so it's no surprise that many financial institutions aren’t sure where to start when it comes to preparing for compliance.

In this episode, Abrigo Senior Consultant Paula King offers a comprehensive exploration of the rule’s main elements, some first steps for compliance, and a brief overview of how it has been received, including the legal controversies following the rule. As financial institutions wait for finality on this regulatory shift, it’s important for banks and credit unions of all sizes to understand the nuances of Section 1071. Listen in for insights into the future of small business lending.

Helpful links:

Webinar: Understanding the impact of CFPB 1071 on small business lending

Blog: The CFPB section 1071 effective date

Checklist: CFPB 1071 Rule: Checklist for compliance success

Check out the series!

Ahead of the curve: A banker's podcast

You can find all episodes of the podcast on abrigo.com or on your favorite podcast app or platform.

We can help you navigate 1071 deadlines and compliance. In addition to our 1071 resource page for lenders, which has updated information to help prepare for the new requirements, Abrigo’s Loan Origination Software will have all required data fields in a borrower-facing collection form, access to pre-built reports, and the ability to export for CFPB reporting. Your financial institution can comply with 1071 while streamlining the origination process and ongoing customer management while working with a trusted partner of 2,400 institutions. Talk to a specialist to learn more.

Stress test success: Navigating the 2024 scenarios for community financial institutions

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500

The OCC, FDIC, and Federal Reserve Board have released the hypothetical scenarios for their annual Dodd-Frank stress tests, which help ensure that large banks can lend to households and businesses even in a severe recession. How do the scenarios impact community financial institutions, and how can you use stress testing to your institution's benefit?

Join Zach Englert and Jacob Lowe as they discuss what the scenarios look like this year and how community banks and credit unions can leverage them to assess their internal risk management practices, inform capital planning and strategic decision-making, and communicate with regulators and investors.

Helpful links:
Blog: Capital stress testing: The Fed's scenarios can help smaller institutions
Webinar: Gauge your institution's risk from inflation: Planning ahead with stress testing
Podcast: Stressed out: How to sleep easier at night about your capital and risk levels

Unveiling human trafficking: Perspectives, realities, and strategies

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Human trafficking – a form of modern slavery – is one of the fastest-growing criminal activities in the world, exploiting over 45 million people and generating an estimated $150 billion in profits each year. While global in reach, human trafficking also affects individuals, communities, and economies across the United States.

Join Brad Jeffery, founder of MADE FREE, and Heather Bellino, CEO of Texas Advocacy Project, as we discuss human trafficking’s consequences and what financial institutions can do to help identify and prevent it.

About Texas Advocacy Project: Texas Advocacy Project’s mission is to end dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Texas. TAP empowers survivors through free legal and social services and access to the justice system and advances prevention through public outreach and education. Our vision is that all Texans live free from abuse. In 2022, TAP provided legal services in 4,765 cases, serving 10,502 Texans. If you or someone you know needs help, call 800-374-HOPE or visit TexasAdvocacyProject.org.

About MADE FREE: MADE FREE was designed to provide social reform, addressing the root cause of human trafficking and the need for sustainable, ethical jobs. To win the war on poverty, those who make fashion goods must make a livable wage. The MADE FREE model takes a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating ecological, social, and economic factors. Workers at MADE FREE create handcrafted pieces in a clean, team-based environment with a focus on quality over quality, giving consumers a chance to support sustainable change with their dollars.

Helpful links:

Blog: The Super Bowl and human trafficking: How financial institutions can help

Webinar: Human trafficking awareness: Detecting, reporting, and partnering

Whitepaper: Human trafficking red flags

Banking on cannabis: Breaking down the SAFER Banking Act

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

The marijuana-related banking industry took major steps forward on September 27, 2023, when the Senate Committee passed the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act after weeks of negotiations and revisions to reach a bipartisan agreement. The bill would secure access for marijuana-related businesses (MRBs) to financial institutions. Terri Luttrell and Michael O’Neill, aka “The Cannabis Banker,” join the podcast to discuss the future of the SAFER Banking Act and what it means for financial institutions. They’ll give predictions for marijuana’s de-scheduling, what to expect from regulators, and what banks can do to work safely with MRBs in the meantime.

Helpful links:

Blog: SAFER Banking Act passes Senate Banking Committee

Webinar: Banking marijuana-related businesses

Podcast: Ahead of the curve: A banker's podcast episode 3 - Cannabis lending - Abrigo

An Eye on Risk: Taking a Look at the OCC's Bank Supervision Operating Plan for 2024

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:00:00 -0400

The OCC issued it's Bank Supervision Operation Plan for 2024 and we take a look on at it on the latest episode of Ahead of the Curve. This plan outlines the OCC's priorities and objectives for the coming year and provides great insights on where to focus your financial institution's time.

In this episode, Abrigo Advisor Zach Englert discusses his big takeaways specifically around liquidity risk, credit risk, and change management.

News Release - OCC Releases Bank Supervision Operating Plan for Fiscal Year 2024

Abrigo Advisory Services

Funding Challenges Ahead: Ready? Or not?

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Financial institutions all have one thing in common right now: an unprecedented rising rate environment that isn't going away anytime soon. Some have action plans in place to ensure capital and margin objectives are still achieved, but for many, this coming period represents a complete unknown, so they are not as prepared. Whether deposits are an issue or not right now, it is prudent to make sure you have the monitoring and strategies in place to react appropriately as things change. 

In this episode, Abrigo Senior Advisor Darryl Mataya discusses three steps your financial institution should take to prepare for the coming funding challenges ahead.

In this podcast, we discuss:

What makes this environment an "unprecedented rate scenario"
Common mistakes financial institutions are making in their reactions
Key moves to ensure you are prepared for additional rate uncertainty

Cultivating Ag Loan Growth: State of the Market and Strategies to Overcome Top Challenges

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Ag lenders have faced a whirlwind of events over the past few years. From government stimulus programs to sky-rocketing land values to record inflation, many financial institutions are struggling to get a handle on it all. However, with an eye on credit risk and an increase in loan demand expected on the horizon, profitability and growth are possible for institutions.

In this episode, Rob Newberry, former dairy farmer and Senior Advisor at Abrigo breaks down the overall agricultural lending landscape and provides practical advice on what ag-focused institutions should be doing to navigate rising rates, inflation, and more.

In this podcast, we discuss:

The state of the agricultural lending landscape
How the 1980s ag crisis compares to today and what lenders should being keeping an eye on
Strategies to mitigate credit risk and how to identify problem loans early
Opportunities ag-focused banks can use to stand out from the competition

Commercial Real Estate Lending: Best Practices, Trends, and Regulations

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0400

For financial institutions across the country, commercial real estate (CRE) remains an area of high emphasis within the loan portfolio as they pursue growth. However, with rising interest rates and inflation as well as the underlying impacts of the pandemic on office space, it’s important to keep an eye on the market and the inherent risks this type of lending presents.

In this episode, Matt Anderson from Trepp and Rob Newberry from Abrigo join to discuss how CRE is being impacted by the current economic conditions and to give some tips on what to keep in mind when lending in this space.

In this podcast, we discuss:

The state of the CRE lending landscape
Best practices related to management reporting and stress testing
Current regulatory expectations, including climate and environmental

Stressed Out: How To Sleep Easier at Night About Your Capital and Risk Levels

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0400

Financial institutions continue to face a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape and volatile economic environment. These top-of-mind concerns underscore the need for banks and credit unions to ensure they have enough capital to withstand a wide range of shocks. How can institutions make sure they have a comprehensive view of their risk? How do they plan for managing those risks should they emerge?

In this podcast we discuss:

How to identify key vulnerabilities to market forces through stress testing
How stress testing results can influence strategic and capital planning
Key takeaways from regulatory guidance and recent stress testing scenarios

Bonus: Don't Miss ThinkBIG 2022

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -0400

Learn about Abrigo's upcoming ThinkBIG Conference in this special bonus episode. With specific learning tracks for lending and credit risk, portfolio risk, and FinCrime, there is something for everyone.

The in-person conference happening in San Antonio, Texas, from May 23-26 will be full of opportunities to earn CPE credit, network with peers, and learn best practices!

Register now at https://www.abrigo.com/thinkbig/ and use the promo code POD50 for a discount on your ticket. Registration closes on May 1st, so don't wait!

To Be Blunt: The Ins and Outs of Cannabis Related Banking

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Lending to and banking cannabis-related businesses is currently a hot topic among banking circles. With laws varying by state and the inherent risks associated with providing these services, many banks and credit unions are weighing whether to participate themselves. Ultimately, each institution will vary in its approach. However, there is no denying that this is a 'budding' industry that deserves serious consideration as a viable way to reach revenue goals.

In this podcast, we discuss:

The definitions of common terms and the specific laws that go along with them
Direct vs. indirect cannabis lending and the associated risks
How this type of lending can be a crucial revenue source for your FI

Loan Pricing in a Rising Rate Environment: What's the Big Deal?

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0500

With rampant inflation and expected rate hikes for banks and credit unions, not to mention lingering economic and health effects from the pandemic, financial institutions face real profitability challenges in 2022. Now more than ever, it’s critical to focus on effective loan pricing. The alternatives? Risk losing customers to competition or falling victim to further margin compression.

In this podcast, we discuss:

The current economic environment and expectations of rising rates
Potential challenges that rising rates present to FIs
Strategies for increasing and maintaining profitability

Software Customization vs. Configuration: Does it Matter for LOS?

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Digitalization sits atop most financial institutions’ strategic plans this year as a result of remote work and ever-changing customer expectations. New software and other technology is often vital to that effort. Whether you’re implementing and rolling out loan origination software (LOS) as discussed in this podcast or another solution, a key consideration is the choice between software customization vs. configuration. In this episode, David O’Connell from Aite-Novarica’s Commercial Banking team and Andy Snow from Abrigo join to discuss why this decision matters, along with best practices they have learned working with hundreds of financial institutions across the country.

In this podcast, we will discuss:

How LOS customization vs. configuration can affect project deadlines, budgets, and scope
The total cost of ownership and other long-term effects of software customization vs. configuration
Managing the “people side” of implementation/user adoption with customized vs. configured software