Oklahoma Banker

Led by OBA Chair Alicia Wade, this year’s OBA Annual Washington, D.C., Visit was another resounding success. The Oklahoma contingent was – AGAIN – the largest group from any state to descend upon our nation’s capital. By Megan McGuire Vice President/Member & Government Relations Book a flight … secure a hotel room … adjust family schedule … prepare to be …

As summer comes to a close, things are starting to heat up in both Washington, D.C., and in Oklahoma City. First, I want to bring you up to speed on what happened on Aug. 27 when the runoff elections were held, and what it means for our industry. This article will also serve as a reminder to go and vote …

By Alicia Wade OBA Chair COO, Sovereign Bank, Shawnee In August, the OBA focused on strategic planning as we chart our course for the next 12-18 months. We embrace this process not only within the OBA, but also for our member banks, as it ensures we address the needs of both bankers and the communities we serve. Strategic planning is …

A Federal court on Aug. 27 denied a request for summary judgment in a lawsuit by the American Bankers Association, Texas Bankers Association and others challenging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s small business data collection rule. In his decision, Judge Randy Crane ruled the CFPB did not exceed its authority in issuing the rule, nor did it violate the Administrative …

Last month when I finished my article, I immediately started thinking about my August column because it’s usually a little bit slower and quieter during the summer. While the summer months gives us an opportunity get caught up on projects and ready for the fall when things really start picking up, I always wonder what in the heck am I …

The Oklahoma Bankers Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the upcoming 2024 class; additionally, a reminder the process of selecting inductees was updated for last year going forward. The deadline to submit a nomination is Aug. 31. First, for those interested in nominating a banker, there are some downloadable forms linked on the front page of OBA.com – …

The FDIC board voted 3-2 on July 30 to move forward with a proposed rule that would expand the definition of “deposit broker” to capture many deposit placement arrangements that currently do not meet the criteria for enhanced scrutiny under current regulation, such as sweep deposits and those related to financial technology and cryptocurrency. The proposal would amend a 2020 …

We have survived the June 18 election primaries, the last-minute onslaught of tv ads and dreading opening the mailbox knowing it was full of political push cards. Don’t get too comfortable, though, as we have several runoff elections to be held on Tuesday, Aug. 27. While there won’t be as many races then, there are several important ones in the …

The FDIC released guidance in mid-June with steps intended to provide regulatory relief to financial institutions and facilitate recovery in areas of Oklahoma affected by recent severe storms and tornadoes. The agency encouraged banks in affected areas to work constructively with borrowers experiencing difficulties due to the severe weather, including extending repayment terms, restructuring existing loans or easing terms for …

The Second Regular Session of the 59th Oklahoma State Legislature finally came to an end – by later afternoon on May 30, both chambers had officially adjourned sine die. The legislature is constitutionally required to adjourn session by 5 p.m. on the last Friday in May. Rarely do they ever make it to the last day in the month, but …