Oklahoma Bankers Association We make bankers better!
In This Issue…
- From Adrian’s desk …
- President signs bill stopping OCC bank merger rule
- Gold scams rise again
- Launch looms for electronic title issuance looms
- OBA Book Club announces next selection meeting
- 2026 Oklahoma Views & Vistas Calendar available for early-bird orders
- OBA education corner …
From Adrian’s desk …
By Adrian Beverage
OBA President & CEO
Just some random tidbits that might be of interest to our bankers this week!
• • •
Only a really quick note “from my desk” this week, as I’m away from the office currently on vacation:
THUNDER UP!
President signs bill stopping OCC bank merger rule
President Donald Trump, on Friday, signed into law a joint resolution overturning a rule that changed how the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency reviews proposed bank mergers.
The OCC last year adopted a rule that made several revisions to how it reviews merger proposals, including ending a practice of automatically approving merger applications on the 15th day after the close of the comment period unless the agency takes action to remove the filing for expedited processing. S.J. Res. 13 by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) negates the rule under the Congressional Review Act. Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) introduced a companion resolution in the House.
The resolution was passed by both the House and Senate in May.
Gold scams rise again
In September 2024, the OBA Fraud Division published a piece in the Oklahoma Banker newspaper on gold bar scams.
This form of scam payment is still prevalent. While the information contained in this article is still appropriate, it appears these scams have increased the demand and price of kilo gold bars! Nine months ago, a kilo gold bar cost approximately $81,000. Today, it will cost you approximately $110,000.
Launch looms for electronic title issuance
The state’s transition to electronic title issuance is just a week away. And since bankers will play such a crucial role, the folks at Service Oklahoma thank you for all you’ve done to prepare for implementation – from attending their Q&As to using their training materials.
Although they’ve been feeding us numerous resources leading up to the July 1 launch, support won’t end after that. Their team will always be available at ELTaccounts@service.ok.gov if you have questions or need assistance with your OkCARS accounts.
Please note that while Service Oklahoma will begin issuing titles in an electronic format next month, there will be limited exceptions. In addition, licensed dealers will still receive paper titles by default unless they opt in to electronic titles. The transition to electronic titles also does not mandate electronic lien filing. Lienholders will continue to have the option to process lien transactions in person, by mail or electronically.
Updated FAQ
During the final Q&A last week, many asked for a recap of the topics discussed. You can find that recap in an updated FAQ, which includes questions and answers from our previous Q&A sessions. The FAQ also features links to the new forms involved in electronic titling. Click here to view or download the updated FAQ.
Quick Reference Training Guide
For a more succinct overview, Service Oklahoma created a one-page guide that outlines key information to process transactions and support your customers. Click here to view the quick reference guide.
Again, if you need support now or after July 1, please email Service Oklahoma at ELTaccounts@service.ok.gov.
OBA Book Club announces next selection, meeting
The OBA Book Club’s next selection is Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.
Today, every business can choose to be in the hospitality industry — and you don’t have to be a luxury business to do it.
This book of lessons about both service and leadership learned over a career in hospitality celebrates the one principle that will never go out of season: the human desire to be taken care of. In this behind-the-scenes peek at the world of fine dining, Guidara shows us how to find the magic in what we do — for ourselves, the people we work with, and the people we serve.
To get involved in the OBA Book Club, please email Joan Anderson, and she will add you to the Book Club roster.
The next discussion will take place via Zoom at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 29.
2026 Oklahoma Views & Vistas Calendar available for early-bird orders
The 2026 Oklahoma Views & Vistas Calendar are now ready – order yours by Aug. 31 to get the special low price of just $1.10 per calendar – pricing after Aug. 31 is $1.25 per calendar.
The deadline for all orders is Sept. 15. This is a great way to share your bank’s logo and information to your customers!
OBA education corner …
It’s officially summer and the heat has already started piling in … and we’re not talking about the basketball team in Miami. Some will say 95 degrees is better than 30 degrees any day, but we’ll leave it to you, dear reader, to make your choice there. While unwrapping your meteorological thoughts, keep up to date with what’s happening on the continuing education front, including the following:
- Total TRID Training – 4-Part Series, July 7, 8, 14, 17, webinar — Though TRID has been a part of the compliance landscape for nearly a decade, its complexity makes it one of the most commonly cited violations year after year.
- You’ve Been Served: Best Practices in Processing Subpoenas, Garnishments and Tax Levies, July 8, webinar — This webinar will provide attendees with best practices and red flags for dealing with the various legal documents served upon financial institutions.
- The Board Secretary Role: Organizing, Planning, Tracking & Maintaining Accurate Records, July 10, webinar — The board secretary’s role goes far beyond just being the “note taker” at meetings. They must be the chief organizer, ensuring compliance requirements are met, understanding governance issues, planning meetings, developing reports and preserving corporate records.
- Red Flags for Money Laundering, July 10, webinar — Your staff is the eyes and ears on the ground to protect your institution from being used by money laundering operations.
- Compliance Requirements for Records Management and Retention, July 11, webinar — Review of the critical compliance requirements for record retention, and formulating and maintaining an effective records management program.