A publication for members of the North Dakota Bankers Association - December 17, 2020 Volume 20 Issue 12
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A publication for members of the North Dakota Bankers Association. 1 Volume 20 • Issue 12 December 17, 2020 Jolene German Dorothy Lick Lisa Dolajak Administrative Assistant SVP of Education Communications & Marketing Coordinator Rick Clayburgh Jackie Bauer Angi Day President & CEO Business & Database Coordinator Benefits Coordinator Ann Reich SVP of Strategic Partnerships NDBA • PO Box 1438, Bismarck, ND 58502-1438 • Ph: 701.223.5303 • Fax: 701.258.0218 • Email: ndba@ndba.com • www.ndba.com
CHaiRMaN’S CORNER Happy Holidays Everyone! I always think of this season as a time of hope and a time to look forward to the next year. There is the promise that with vaccines, we may get back to life as we Jolene Muscha knew it before the pandemic. And while that may be a few months away, we NDBA Chairman can still plan and anticipate things... like the chance to spend time with family President The Union Bank and friends again without a sense of fear. of Glen Ullin As bankers, we always strive for a better future, even if it is only the next year we are thinking about. So I say, get out the ice skates and the hot chocolate (with or without schnapps) and make that plan for 2021 – it can happen! I wish you a season of health and happiness and a new year of hope and positivity! Upcoming NDBA Events JANUARY 2021 FEBRUARY 2021 MARCH 2021 February 2021 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 16 & 23 UCC Article 9 Virtual Seminar 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 March 2021 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15-17 ABA Washington Summit - Washington Marriott Marquis 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Washington, D.C. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 April 2021 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 28 29 30 31 6-9 Dakota School of Lending Principles - 31 Radisson Hotel, Bismarck 12 Human Resource Management School APRIL 2021 MAY 2021 JUNE 2021 Graduate School of Banking - Wisconsin S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S Virtual starting April 12 1 2 3 1 1 2 3 4 5 27 Bank Technology Management School Graduate School of Banking - Wisconsin 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Virtual starting April 27 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 June 2021 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 6-11 Dakota School of Banking - University of Jamestown 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 14-15 Quad States Convention - 30 31 Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD JULY 2021 August 2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 21 SDBA National School for Experienced S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S Ag Bankers - Black Hills State University, 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 Spearfish, SD 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 July2021 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 18-30 Graduate School of Banking at Colorado- Boulder, CO 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 August 2021 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31 1-13 GSB 2021 Graduate School of Banking- University of Wisconsin - Madison 2
CoNTeNTS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 30 16 CHAIRMAN Jolene Muscha CHAIRMAN-ELECT Christie Obenauer TREASURER Kathy Torske The Union Bank of Union State Bank American Trust Center Glen Ullin Hazen Bismarck NDBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Deneen Axtman Brian L. Johnson Kelly Rachel Cornerstone Bank Choice Bank Unison Bank Fargo Grand Forks Jamestown Judd Graham Craig Johnson Kim Settel Bremer Bank Merchants Bank Gate City Bank 22 Fargo Rugby Fargo Todd Heilman Jay Lies Todd Steinwand Western State Bank Choice Bank Bank of North Dakota Devils Lake Fargo Bismarck FEATURES Ryan Hertz Pat Lorenson Lee Weisbeck 11 SBA PPP: Myth vs. Fact Dacotah Bank Ramsey National Bank Starion Bank Minot Fargo Mandan 16 2021: An Odyssey Away from LIBOR Pete Jahner Brad Miller 20 Municipal Credit Update: Revisiting the Pandemic’s Kirkwood Bank and Trust Bismarck First State Bank of Cando Cando Effect on Municipal Credit Risk 22 Live Well Work Well: Celebrating Holidays Safely NDBA SERVICES, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS During the COVID-19 Pandemic CHAIR Jeremy Skoglund Darren Haugen Bernie Sinner 28 COVID-19's Impact on 2021: Why Bankers Need to Bank of North Dakota Starion Bank BankNorth Be Prepared Bismarck Mandan Casselton 30 Social Happenings Lois Bednar Kelly Hoeven Jeff Weiler Bank Forward Bank of Glen Ullin Bank of North Dakota Fargo Glen Ullin Bismarck IN EVERY ISSUE Duane Bowman Jamie Nelson Farmers Security Bank 2 Calendar of Events Dakota Western Bank Bowman Washburn 3 NDBA Directors & Staff 4 Articles 12 NDBA Education Events & Webinars NDBA STAFF 34 Happenings Rick Clayburgh Lisa Dolajak Ann Reich President and CEO Communications and SVP of Strategic Partnerships 38 Banker Classifieds rick@ndba.com Marketing Coordinator ann@ndba.com lisa@ndba.com Jackie Bauer Business and Database Jolene German NDBA GENERAL Coordinator Administrative Assistant COUNSEL jackie@ndba.com jolene@ndba.com Tracy Kennedy Mission Statement Angi Day Dorothy Lick tracy@ndba.com Benefits Coordinator SVP of Education angi@ndba.com dorothy@ndba.com Extraordinary Leadership for North Dakota Banks 3
aRTiCLeS Security Vendor Reports Major NDBA, ABA and State Banking Supply Chain Cyberattack Trade Associations ask Congress Affecting Government, Private to Extend CARES Act TDR Relief Clients NDBA joined the ABA and the and 50 other state banking A major cyber-attack on SolarWinds – a security vendor that trade associations on a letter to serves a wide range of military, private companies, government Congress asking them to extend agencies, and academic institutions – may have allowed hackers the troubled debt restructuring to gain access to the emails, systems and data of several of its (TDR) relief provisions in the CARES Act. The provisions, clients, including the Treasury and Commerce Departments, which are scheduled to expire this month, allow banks to suspend among others. Suspected Russian hackers targeted SolarWinds’ generally accepted accounting principles for COVID-19 related Orion business software with a “supply chain attack,” through loan modifications. which malicious code was embedded within a routine software update that was distributed to SolarWinds’ clients. The letter notes that when a loan is classified as a TDR, a bank is often required to hold twice the regulatory capital of current The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued loans and is ineligible for consideration as collateral at the Federal an emergency directive noting that the breach “poses an Reserve. Many times, the TDR classification also forces the bank unacceptable risk” and directing federal agencies to take steps to take remedial steps against a loan, including foreclosure. to disconnect or shut down use of affected SolarWinds Orion products. SolarWinds also issued a security advisory to its users In related news, a group of Republican members of Congress with more detailed instructions. also recently wrote to the House leadership asking for the TDR provisions to be extended, stating that allowing them to To read the CISA directive, visit: https://cyber.dhs.gov/ed/21-01/ expire "would have a drastic and adverse impact on the ability To read the SolarWinds security advisory, visit: https:// of consumers and businesses to access credit now and a TDR www.solarwinds.com/securityadvisory classification would further hurt their ability to access credit in the future." Community Banks Took on To read the letter, visit: https://www.aba.com/advocacy/policy- Significant Share of PPP Lending analysis/joint-aba-and-sba-letter-to-hfsc-and-sbc-tdr-relief-extension Community banks took on an immense share of PPP lending, NDBA, ABA and State according to a blog post by Associations Call for Keeping the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. Nationwide, community GLBA Exemption in New Privacy banks’ outstanding balance of PPP loans to total assets was Law 6.04%, compared to 1.81% for non-community banks. NDBA joined the ABA and the and 50 other state banking Through the PPP, allocated 4.89 million forgivable loans were trade associations on a letter to the Uniform Law Commission – made, totaling more than $521 billion, and community banks which has been tasked with drafting a uniform law on consumer made 28% of the loans, or $148 billion. The total share of PPP privacy – urging it to retain in the draft the current exemption for loans by community banks was much higher than their 12% information subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The letter share of total industry assets and 15% share of total industry was sent ahead of a December meeting that took place to discuss loans, CSBS said. the draft law. "Community banks’ relationship approach to lending allows The associations responded to arguments made in a comment them to make decisions and provide solutions to small letter by another advocacy group, which argued that GLBA businesses,” CSBS said. “For many small businesses, community fails to offer adequate consumer protections and urged the banks are often the only way to access loans and other financial committee to exclude the compromise exemption. In rebutting services, which may help explain why the PPP participation rate the arguments, the associations noted that banking is the only for community banks is so high." industry that is regularly examined by federal regulators on compliance with federal privacy laws, which provides significant To read more, visit: https://www.csbs.org/newsroom/community- consumer protections. banks-play-outsized-role-ppp-lending 4
aRTiCLeS “The GLBA not only mandates disclosure of privacy practices Among other things, the final rule addresses the application of the and information sharing restrictions, but it further requires “prudence and exclusive purpose” duties under ERISA to proxy financial institutions to establish an information security program voting; the use of written proxy voting policies and guidelines; that protects customer information,” the associations wrote. and the selection and monitoring of proxy advisory firms. ERISA “Each program must be designed to ensure the security and fiduciaries may further adopt one or more of the rule’s optional confidentiality of customer information, protect against any safe harbors to assist them in complying with the decision on foreseeable risks, protect against its unauthorized access or use, whether to vote proxies. and ensure its proper disposal.” They also emphasized that banks To read the letter, visit: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ regularly undergo full-scope, on-site examinations by the federal EBSA/temporary-postings/fiduciary-duties-regarding-proxy-voting- banking agencies to ensure compliance. and-shareholder-rights-final-rule.pdf To read the letter, visit: https://www.aba.com/advocacy/policy- analysis/joint-aba-and-state-association-alliance-letter-to-ulc-privacy CFPB Issues Final QM Standard Rule The CFPB has issued a final rule Banking Agencies Provide Relief making several changes to the to Community Banks with Qualified Mortgage (QM) standard. Pandemic-Inflated Assets The rule defines both the general QM category and a new “seasoned” QM The federal banking agencies have issued an interim final rule standard for certain portfolio loans. to ease the regulatory burden of community banks that have experienced sudden asset growth as a result of participation Under the rule, to receive the QM safe harbor the annual in COVID-19 relief programs like the Paycheck Protection percentage rate on a covered transaction must not exceed the Program. The Fed noted that many community banks have annual prime offer rate for a comparable transaction by 1.5 experienced an unexpected and sharp increase in assets, swelling percentage points. Loans with an APR that exceeds the APOR their balance sheets in some cases by more than 25%, but that by 1.5 to 2.25 percentage points will receive a QM rebuttable growth is expected to be temporary. presumption of ability to repay, with higher pricing thresholds set for smaller loan amounts, manufactured home loans and certain The rule gives community banks with less than $10 billion in other transactions. assets as of Dec. 31, 2019, more time to either reduce their balance sheets by shedding temporary growth or to prepare for For the general QM requirements, the rule also eliminates the 43 higher regulatory and reporting standards. According to the rule, percent debt-to-income threshold and the underwriting definition asset growth in 2020 or 2021 will not trigger new regulatory contained in Appendix Q while retaining the product feature and requirements for those community banking organizations until underwriting requirements and points-and-fees limits. The rule Jan. 1, 2022, at the earliest. The rule does not provide relief from also mandates that lenders consider the consumer’s income or CFPB regulatory and supervisory thresholds, nor does it affect assets, debt obligations and DTI ratio or residual income. compliance with the Volcker Rule. The seasoned QM standard applies to mortgages held in To read more, visit: https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/ portfolio that have met certain performance requirements over a pressreleases/files/bcreg20201120a1.pdf 36-month seasoning period, including having no more than two delinquencies of 30 or more days and no delinquencies of 60 or more days. To receive seasoned QM status, loans must be secured DOL Finalizes Rule on Proxy Voting by a first lien; have a fixed rate with fully amortizing payments The Department of Labor has issued and no balloon payments; must not exceed 30 years in term; and a final rule formalizing requirements have total points and fees under specified limits. regarding a fiduciary’s proxy voting To read more, visit: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/ activity under the Employee Retirement newsroom/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-issues-two-final- Income Security Act. The final rule rules-promote-access-responsible-affordable-mortgage-credit/ requires that fiduciaries carry out their duties related to proxy voting solely in accordance with the economic interest of retirement investors. The rule becomes part of DOL’s investment duties regulation, which includes the recently finalized DOL rule on ESG investments. 5
aRTiCLeS SBA Guidance Indicates that ineligible to receive the loan amount or loan forgiveness amount claimed by the borrower (or the loan forgiveness amount in the Banks Must File 1099/1098 for lender’s forgiveness decision).” CARES Act Loan Subsidies Lenders may contact PPPForgivenessRequests@sba.gov with The SBA has issued a Q&A document questions. regarding several tax issues related to payments made on behalf of borrowers FDIC Analysis Examines to lenders for existing SBA 7(a), 504 and microloans. The CARES Act required the Community Bank Economies of SBA to make payments covering six-months Scale of principal, interest and any associated fees small businesses may The FDIC has released a staff study highlighting how economies owe on these loans. of scale developed at community banks (those with $10 billion or The guidance notes that lenders must file a Form 1099-MISC less in assets) between 2000 and 2019. Between that period, the indicating the amount of principal, interest and any fees paid by FDIC estimated that “the cost-minimizing size of a bank’s loan SBA to the lender on behalf of the borrower. In situations where portfolio rose from approximately $350 million to $3.3 billion,” lenders received payment subsidies for loans for which a Form suggesting that “efficiency gains accrue early as a bank grows from 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement is due, SBA also said that $10 million in loans to $3.3 billion, with 90% of the potential form should be filed by the lender. efficiency gains occurring by $300 million.” To view the Q&A, visit: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/ At that size, the report noted that banks have estimated costs of articles/5000-20067.pdf about 4.76%. Banks with a loan portfolio of double that size – around $600 million – have estimated costs of 4.33% and have SBA Outlines Procedures for PPP accrued 95% of the potential cost savings as a result of their increased size, the FDIC said. ‘Loan Necessity’ Questionnaires The report also found that the financial crisis “temporarily The SBA has released procedures for interrupted this trend and costs increased industrywide, but a lenders in handling the loan necessity generally more cost-efficient industry reemerged, returning in questionnaires that SBA is requesting recent years to pre-crisis trends.” for PPP loans totaling $2 million or To read more, visit: https://www.fdic.gov/analysis/cfr/staff- more. The procedures were detailed in a studies/2020-06.pdf user guide and introductory letter sent using SBA’s PPP forgiveness platform. According to the documents, lenders will receive notice of FTC Consumer Alert Warns requests from SBA for questionnaires via the SBA forgiveness of Potential Fraud Related to platform at forgiveness.sba.gov. The questionnaires – SBA Form COVID-19 Vaccines 3509 for for-profit borrowers and Form 3510 for nonprofit borrowers – are available there, and the platform now accepts With multiple promising COVID-19 online submission of the completed questionnaires. Lenders vaccines on the horizon, a new consumer must notify the borrower of the request within five business days alert from the Federal Trade Commission and should advise the borrower to complete the form within 10 is warning consumers of potential fraud business days, SBA said. Lenders must upload the completed scams associated with the vaccines. The questionnaire, manually enter borrower responses and upload FTC outlined several facts that can help supporting documentation within five business days of receiving consumers steer clear of potential scams. it. For example, the FTC said that consumers will likely not have While reiterating that lenders are not required to verify or validate to pay out of pocket to receive the vaccine; will not be able to the borrower’s responses or supporting documentation submitted pay to put their name on a list to receive the vaccine or receive with the questionnaires, SBA emphasized in its letter that “failure early access; and will not be contacted by a representative from to timely respond to any SBA request may result in a delay in a vaccine distribution site or health care payer asking for their SBA’s remittance of the loan forgiveness amount, if any, or in a Social Security number or bank account information in order to determination that the borrower was ineligible for the loan or sign up to receive the vaccine. The FTC also urged consumers to be wary of providers offering products, treatments, or medicines 6
aRTiCLeS to prevent the virus, and to consult their healthcare provider bank level and one at the assessment area level for the top three before paying for or receiving any kind of COVID-19 treatment. CRA ratings. The CD minimum involves two values, one at the bank level and one at the assessment area level. If a scam is suspected, the FTC directed consumers to report it by visiting ReportFraud.ftc.gov or filing a complaint with their state The proposal also makes clarifying and technical changes to the attorney general through consumerresources.org. CRA final rule. Comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. OCC Proposes Fair Access to To read more, visit: https://www.occ.gov/news-issuances/news- Banking Services Rule releases/2020/nr-occ-2020-160.html The OCC has issued a proposed rule requiring banks to provide access to SBA Releases Data on PPP/EIDL services, capital, and credit based on their Loans risk assessment of individual customers In response to a federal judge’s order, the SBA has released and not make decisions that affect entire borrower information on both the PPP and EIDL programs. categories of customers. The proposed SBA declined to appeal a judge's order in a case brought by rule, which covers national banks and multiple news organizations seeking data more granular than what federal savings associations with more than $100 billion in SBA has already disclosed. assets, prohibits institutions from denying services in an effort to disadvantage or otherwise hinder the customer from competing While it is not unexpected that details of a government loan in a market or business segment or benefiting another person or program would eventually be made public, banks can expect business activity. media attention on the PPP and EIDL data. Banks should consider reviewing the data reported for their borrowers to ensure In issuing the rule, the OCC cited a provision in the Dodd- accuracy. Frank Act that charges the agency with “assuring the safety and soundness of, and compliance with laws and regulations, fair To view the SBA data, visit: https://sba.app.box.com/s/5myd1nxu access to financial services, and fair treatment of customers by, toq8wxecx2562baruz774si6 the institutions and other persons subject to its jurisdiction.” For concerns about publicly released EIDL data, please The agency noted that the proposal is in response to some email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov banks no longer financing specific kinds of businesses, such as To request an update (correction) to PPP loan gun manufacturers, fossil fuel companies, and private prisons. information, visit: https://www.sba.gov/ppp-data-feedback Comments on the proposal are due by January 4, 2021. To read more, visit: https://www.occ.gov/news-issuances/news- releases/2020/nr-occ-2020-156.html Senate Approves Waller to Serve on Fed Board of Governors OCC Releases Proposal on CRA The U.S. Senate has approved the nomination of Christopher Performance Standards Waller to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors on a party-line vote of 48 to 47. Waller, who currently serves as the The OCC has released a proposal detailing the agency’s approach director of research at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will to determining Community Reinvestment Act evaluation serve a term on the Fed Board that expires in January 2030. measure benchmarks, retail lending distribution test thresholds and community development minimums. The proposal further implements the new general performance standards outlined in IRS Clarifies Deductibility of the CRA final rule issued earlier this year. Qualified PPP Expenses The proposal states that the OCC plans to survey the industry to The IRS has issued a ruling that borrowers gather bank-specific information from institutions subject to the submitting Paycheck Protection Program general performance standards. This information will be used loan forgiveness applications for approval are to help calculate CRA evaluation measures and CD minimum required to disallow a deduction for qualified calculations for each bank’s assessment areas, as well as a bank- 2020 expenses in 2020 tax returns, even level CRA evaluation measure and CD minimum calculations. when the forgiveness application has not been The evaluation measure includes six benchmark values: one at the approved or filed by the end of the year. The ruling was issued in response to questions raised about non-deductible expenses in 7
aRTiCLeS situations where the expenses are paid in 2020 and the forgiveness • Includes a requirement for the insurer to give a written 45- of the loan may not occur until 2021. day notice before nonrenewal or cancellation The agency also issued a revenue procedure that provides • Includes information about coverage available under the NFIP guidance for PPP borrowers that either do not apply for • Includes a mortgage interest clause forgiveness or have all or part of the forgiveness application denied. • Includes a provision requiring an insured to file suit not later than one year after a date of a written denial for all or To read the IRS ruling, visit: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/ part of a claim rr-20-27.pdf • Contains cancellation provisions that are as restrictive as the To read the revenue procedure, visit: https://www.irs.gov/ provisions contained in an NFIP policy. pub/irs-drop/rp-20-51.pdf “In the event of a lapse in the NFIP, the option of private flood Fed to Extend Some Lending insurance may reduce the likelihood of delays in the processing of new originations,” HUD said. “Acceptance of private flood Facilities Through March insurance policies would additionally benefit borrowers who want The Federal Reserve has announced that it FHA-insured mortgages, by providing them consumer choice, would extend several lending facilities that including the opportunity to obtain private flood insurance were set to expire on or around Dec. 31 to policies that may be more affordable than NFIP policies.” March 31, 2021. The extensions apply to To read the proposal, visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/ the Commercial Paper Funding Facility, documents/2020/11/23/2020-25105/acceptance-of-private-flood- the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity insurance-for-fha-insured-mortgages Facility, the Primary Dealer Credit Facility and the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility. FDIC Finalizes Changes to The Fed said the extension is intended to aid planning by potential participants and provide certainty that the facilities will Brokered Deposit Rules be available through the first quarter of 2021 to help the economy The FDIC has finalized changes to modernize its existing recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. brokered deposit rules and foster greater innovation by financial institutions. The final rule establishes a new framework for To read more, visit: https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/ designating an entity as a “deposit broker” and amends the pressreleases/monetary20201130a.htm methodology for calculating the national rate and national rate cap for specific deposit products. HUD Proposes to Allow Private The final rule narrows the definition of “deposit broker.” It also Flood Insurance for FHA-Insured designates certain business relationships and services that meet Mortgages the rule’s “primary purpose exemption,” and do not require an application to the FDIC. These designated exemptions include: The Department of Housing and Urban deposits where the agent has less than 25% of the total “assets Development has proposed a rule to allow under administration” for its customers; health savings accounts; mortgagors the option to purchase private deposits related to certain real estate and mortgage servicing flood insurance on Federal Housing transactions; certain retirement funds; and customer funds held Administration-insured mortgages for for various regulatory, tax and other government purposes. properties located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. Comments on the proposal are due To better accommodate fintech partnerships, the rule also 60 days after publication in the Federal provides that entities with exclusive deposit placement Register. arrangements with one bank are not deposit brokers. With respect to the national rate cap, the FDIC would include credit unions The proposed rule defines private flood insurance as an insurance in the data that backs the national rate and incorporate Fed funds policy that, among other things: and Treasury rates into the national rate cap. • Is issued by a licensed or approved insurer in the state or To view the final rule, visit: https://www.fdic.gov/news/ jurisdiction where the property is located board/2020/2020-12-15-notice-dis-a-fr.pdf • Provides coverage that is at least as broad as that provided under a standard National Flood Insurance Program policy 8
aRTiCLeS Labor Department Finalizes Agencies Propose Rule Regarding Fiduciary Investment Advice Timely Notification of Cyber Exemption Attacks The Department of Labor has finalized Federal regulators have approved its proposed class exemption on fiduciary a new proposed rule that would investment advice. Available to banks require banks to notify their and other investment advice fiduciaries, primary regulator within 36 the exemption would permit receiving hours of becoming aware that compensation as a result of providing a “computer-security incident” fiduciary investment advice, including or “notification incident” has advice to roll over a participant’s account occurred. The rule would also in an employee benefit plan to an individual retirement account require bank service providers to notify “at least two individuals and other similar types of rollover recommendations. at affected banking organization customers immediately after the The exemption requires fiduciary investment advice to be bank service provider experiences a computer-security incident provided in accordance with the following “impartial conduct that it believes in good faith could disrupt, degrade, or impair standards” to advance retirement customer protections: a best services provided for four or more hours.” interest standard; a reasonable compensation standard; and a The rule defines a computer-security incident as an occurrence requirement to make no materially misleading statements about that results in actual or potential harm to the confidentiality, recommended investment transactions. The exemption includes integrity or availability of an information system or the other protections that would require disclosures to retirement information the system processes, stores or transmits; or investors, conflict mitigation and a retrospective compliance constitutes a violation or imminent threat of violation of security review. DOL said this approach further will preserve wide policies, security procedures or acceptable use policies. It defines a availability of investment advice arrangements and products for notification incident as one that could materially disrupt, degrade retirement investors. or impair bank operations or the delivery of bank products and The exemption takes effect 60 days after publication in the services, among other things. This notice requirement is intended Federal Register. to signal the occurrence of a significant material event; based on a review of FinCEN reports, the banking agencies anticipate that To read more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/ incidences of this type (such as ransomware, Trojan malware, zero temporary-postings/final-exemption-improving-investment-advice- day attack, etc.) occur approximately 150 times annually across for-workers-and-retirees.pdf the aggregate financial services industry. Under the proposed rule, banks would be required to notify their Ask Kennedy: NDBA Monthly FAQs regulator “as soon as possible and no later than 36 hours after Coming in 2021! North Dakota Bankers the banking organization believes in good faith that the incident Association announces "Ask Kennedy", a occurred.” The agencies added that the requirement “is intended new monthly series in which Tracy Kennedy, to serve as an early alert to a banking organization’s primary NDBA General Counsel, reviews the federal regulator and is not intended to provide an assessment of questions she has received from member the incident.” Comments will be due 90 days after publication in banks over the past month. Hear the the Federal Register. issues other banks are facing and find out To view the proposed rule, visit: https://www.fdic.gov/news/ the anwers as well! Tracy will discuss the Tracy Kennedy board/2020/2020-12-15-notice-sum-c-fr.pdf questions and answers via 45 minute live broadcast and written bulletin, both released through NDBA each month. First virtual event will be held Wednesday, January 6. Visit ndba.com for more information. 9
BEYOND THE FUNDAMENTALS National School for Experienced Ag Bankers Photos by South Dakota Tourism JUNE 21-24, 2021 BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY...”Where Anything Is Possible” SPEARFISH, SOUTH DAKOTA 10
Myth vs. Fact unemployment far lower than expected at the peak of the pandemic. In addition, the unemployment rate is currently MYTH #1: PPP is wrought with waste, 6.7%, a rate not expected to be achieved by many outside fraud, and abuse. experts until the fourth quarter of 2021. FACT: The vast majority of PPP funds supported American MYTH #4: PPP funds did not reach small businesses and their hardworking employees in dire historically underserved communities. need of economic relief. To ensure all program rules were followed, all loans are undergoing an automated review, and FACT: Since enactment of the CARES Act, SBA and Treasury all loans of $2 million or more will undergo a manual review. worked closely with Congress, borrowers, and lenders of all In addition, any loan may be selected for a manual eligibility sizes – including regional and community banks, Community review or forgiveness review. SBA has a robust process for Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and Minority ensuring PPP funds were used as intended. SBA is committed Depository Institutions (MDIs) – to make certain the broadest to rooting out fraudulent activity; any abuser of this important possible segment of small businesses could access the program will be held appropriately accountable. A business PPP. To ensure funds began flowing as rapidly as possible listed in the data release doesn’t mean that SBA has made an to all small businesses, particularly those in underserved affirmative declaration that a borrower is eligible or that it will communities, SBA and Treasury worked closely with lenders receive loan forgiveness. SBA has a process for review and that were positioned to reach borrowers who had had less well-established traditional banking relationships. Through that is ongoing. our actions, we increased the number of participating lenders MYTH #2: PPP only supported large from the 1,700 that participated in SBA 7(a) lending in 2019 to nearly 5,500 lenders participating in the PPP. corporations, not small businesses. SBA and Treasury executed an aggressive outreach campaign to FACT: The PPP was deployed to help keep small businesses ensure PPP participation by CDFIs, MDIs, and minority, women, afloat and employees on payroll through the coronavirus veteran, or military-owned lenders due to their unmatched pandemic. Of those businesses that received PPP loans, 75 ability to reach underserved communities. The data shows that percent have nine or fewer employees. In addition, 87% of SBA and Treasury’s outreach campaign worked. all loans, or nine out of ten, were $150,000 or less. Every eligible independent contractor, sole proprietor or small As of August 8, 2020, when the PPP closed to new loan business that applied for a PPP loan – whether it employed applications, 432 MDIs and CDFIs had participated from hundreds of workers or a single individual – received one. The across the country, providing over 221,000 loans for more PPP closed in August with more than $130 billion in available than $16.4 billion. PPP delivered $133 billion of loans to funding that went unclaimed. businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones, accounting for more than 25 percent of all PPP funding. MYTH #3: PPP did not support workers. Additionally, a review of census tracts indicates 28 percent of the U.S. population lives in low and moderate income census FACT: Every facet of PPP was designed to keep Americans tracts, and when matched against the distribution of PPP employed. The PPP has succeeded. To date, PPP has loans, 27 percent of the PPP funds went to low and moderate supported more than 51 million American jobs, and account income communities, which is in line with their representation for more than 80% of small business payroll in the United States. By requiring at least 60% of PPP funds to cover payroll in the population. n costs, the Administration ensured Americans’ paychecks were protected. The PPP directly contributed to the historic economic recovery we are currently experiencing, keeping 11
North Dakota Bankers Association Education Events For more information regarding these educational opportunities, visit www.ndba.com or contact Dorothy Lick, SVP of Education, North Dakota Bankers Association, 701.223.5303. EVENT DATE LOCATION WHO SHOULD ATTEND? UCC Article 9 Virtual February 16, 23 Virtual Both entry-level and experienced lenders will & March 2 gain valuable information. Seminar Dakota School of April 6-9 Radisson Hotel, Bismarck Loan officer trainees, loan support personnel and personal bankers. Lending Principles Tri-State Trust April 27-29 Delta by Marriott Trust officers, trist attorneys, CTFAs and CFPS. Conference Fargo, ND Dakota School of June 6-11 University of Jamestown, Attendees are generally first-or mid-level managers Jamestown, ND seeking advancement in their banks and careers. Banking However, others who would benefit from exposure to the banking industry and increased familiarity with the individual components that make up a bank are also encouraged to attend. Quad States June 14-15 Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Presidents, CEOs, senior management staff, Rapid City, SD lenders, marketing team members and sales Convention managers. National School June 21 Black Hills State University Experienced ag bankers who want to further Spearfish, SD develop their ag lending skills, learn new skills, for Experienced Ag confirm existing methodology and meet fellow Bankers bankers who share the same career path. Group Meetings September 13-16 Grand Forks, Fargo, Bismarck All NDBA members! and Minot 12
Upcoming Bank Webinars NDBA offers convenient bank training and access to timely topics through a variety of webinars. EVENT DATE EVENT DATE Online Account Opening January 5 Working Remotely - Prepare January 14 for the New Normal Employment Law Overview: January 5 Keeping Up With the Times The Transition Away from January 15 and Avoiding Pitfalls LIBOR Let’s Face It! The Constant January 6 BSA Officer Annual Training January 19 Threat of Social Engineering Ratio Analysis to Determine January 19 Best-Ever Compliance January 6 Financial Strength Checklists for Consumer IRA Update - Information and January 20 Loans Clarification Writing an Effective Credit January 7 Compliance Management January 21 Memorandum Bank Accounting for January 21 Basics of Banking: An January 7 Beginners - 4 Part Series Overview Bank Accounting for January 21 Basic Business Entities & January 11 Beginners - Part 1 Other Commercial Borrowers Basic Real Estate Loan January 22 Have You Updated Your January 12 Documentation Business Continuity Management To Meet Bank Accounting for January 25 Regulatory Expectations Beginners - Part 2 Writing Teller Training and January 12 Creating the Right ERM January 26 Procedures Program for YOUR Community Bank Dealing with Subpoenas, January 13 Summonses, Garnishments, Opening Business Accounts January 26 Tax Levies, Etc. For more information, visit www.ndba.com and Regulation Z Rules for Home January 13 Equity Lines of Credit click on “Education” and then “Web Seminars.” 13
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BUSINESS PARTNERfeature article 2021: An Odyssey Away from LIBOR benchmark rate would be discontinued beginning December 31, 2021. This discontinuation meant that many businesses, banks included, would have to take the arduous transition away from using LIBOR in the future as well as address Tim Dominguez, existing products that already use it. Associate General Counsel Compliance Alliance Under normal circumstances, 2020 was supposed to be a significant year in the transition away from LIBOR. However, The 1980s were a much different time than today to say the the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may have least. Many of us remember or are too young to remember caused a shift in priorities for many banks. While regulators an age where the typical computer only had sixty four have provided temporary reprieve in several areas of banking kilobytes of memory or where cell phones weighed as much for this year, it still stands today that LIBOR will no longer as twenty pounds with no one anticipating we would ever call be here after 2021. To underscore the crucial need to address them smart any time soon. The 1980s were also a period of this issue by that deadline, the Financial Security Board (FSB) change for global economics and banks. In 1986 the London published a 2020 Progress report on the year of transition Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) was officially introduced away from LIBOR. As the transition remains a global priority, and published as an interest rate benchmark for widespread the FSB also included a roadmap of milestones that banks usage by both financial and non-financial firms in response should follow as a guidance in navigating this process in a to banks trading in new interest markets. However, over three timely manner. decades later after determining that LIBOR was vulnerable The FSB report addresses how the COVID-19 pandemic to interest rate manipulation, it was announced that the has been a “defining feature of the past year with widespread 16
implications.” Understandably so, the pandemic has impacted before the end of the year and consummate those changes many firms in their transition away from LIBOR, but where parties can agree. New contracts should contain robust according to a survey of FSB members, it has not created alternative reference rates wherever possible by this time. pressing substantive roadblocks to the transition. In fact, the By the end of 2021, banks should be fully prepared for LIBOR’s report states that the direct correlation between LIBOR and discontinuation. At this point, all new business should involve banks’ overall borrowing costs weakened during the pandemic alternative rates or at the very least be capable of switching in with volatility leading banks to scarcely rely on LIBOR a short amount of time. In cases where it was impossible to markets for funding. Those that did use LIBOR rates faced amend legacy contracts linked to LIBOR, the implications of challenges because of the pandemic. While central bank rates the benchmark rate no longer being published should have were decreasing throughout the world, LIBOR rates were already been discussed with necessary steps being taken to increasing which were passed on to borrowers in a time when prepare for this kind of outcome. The goal by December 31, financial systems were supposed to play a role in providing 2021 is for all market participants, financial and non-financial much needed liquidity. firms alike to operate without relying on LIBOR. To meet Despite pandemic induced market disruptions, the FSB states this, the importance of a market-led transition will remain that progress has been made throughout the past year in the significant all throughout this year. transition. Many national working groups have produced their At the outset of LIBOR in 1986, it would be difficult to say own timely roadmaps as guides that have been widely adopted many could have predicted that over thirty years later the while also considering the economic impact of COVID-19. rate would be discontinued and that the transition would be Over the past year, the FSB continued to work with the impacted by a global pandemic. Just as 2020 was a significant International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) year for the transition away from LIBOR, 2021 is equally, if to address the transition away from LIBOR in derivative not, even more critical. If banks have not taken the necessary contracts. In October 2020, ISDA released amendments to steps to address their potential LIBOR exposure for new and its definitions and protocols with these contracts and included existing products, they must immediately put plans in place. new fallback language that can be used by firms. This past year, The 1980s were indeed a different time compared to today. more have adopted the Secured Overnight Financing Rate Just like computers with negligible storage space and phones (SOFR) as the preferred alternative in U.S. dollar markets. as heavy as a sledgehammer, LIBOR is about to be an element Significant process has indeed been made and while regulators left behind in the past. As we have adapted to changes in have launched a number of initiatives, what remains is for both technology, banks must also adapt to this change by properly financial and non-financial firms to globally lead the effort to a preparing themselves and their customers. n timely market transition by no longer issuing products linked to LIBOR and by modifying their legacy contracts linked to Tim Dominguez joins Compliance Alliance after graduating LIBOR wherever possible. from the University of Houston Law Center. During law school, he worked as an intern within the legal department of Frost At this moment in time, the FSB Global Transition Roadmap Bank in San Antonio, TX. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in states that firms should already at a minimum have identified Communication Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. all existing LIBOR exposures including what will happen after Before law school, Tim worked various jobs within the Texas state 2021 and if those contracts have any fallback measures in place. government, including the Texas Senate and the Texas Legislative Further, those who provide customers with products that Council. As one of our hotline advisors, Tim provides guidance reference LIBOR must have a plan in place to communicate to C/A members on a wide variety of regulatory and compliance to them of the transition and the steps being taken by the bank issues, in addition to writing articles for some of our publications. to move to alternative rates. Banks should by now understand industry and regulatory best practices with the transition away from LIBOR including necessary steps taken with the assistance of legal counsel. By mid-2021, banks should have already determined which legacy contracts can be amended 17
Your Charitable Giving Experts in North Dakota. Kevin Dvorak, CFP® Amy Stromsodt, CFRE Kara Geiger, CFRE John Heinen, CFRE Bismarck Grand Forks Bismarck Dickinson 701-222-8349 701-741-3193 701-222-8349 701-590-4614 Kevin@NDCF.net Amy@NDCF.net Kara@NDCF.net John@NDCF.net Call us anytime for free, no obligation, confidential consultations about these or other charitable giving topics: The 40% state tax credit for gifts to qualified ND endowment funds Charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts The IRA charitable rollover Donor-advised funds How to discuss charitable giving with your client How to start an endowment fund for your community www.NDCF.net/GivingExperts 18
by Stay lean and grow your bank’s compliance program using Compliance Alliance. Your resources are stretched thin – Why not put us to work for you? We’re here to help you manage the load, while keeping your budget light and your options open. More about C/A Membership by calling (888) 353-3933 or emailing compliancealliance.com at: info@compliancealliance.com 19
BUSINESS PARTNERfeature article Municipal Credit Update: Revisiting the Pandemic’s Effect on Municipal Credit Risk “The potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the City states did not cut funding to school districts in the 2020 fiscal year, cannot be quantified at this time, but the continued outbreak of but instead used one-time budgetary maneuvers to make ends meet. COVID-19 could have an adverse effect on the City’s operations If state revenues continue to be depressed, they may be forced to and financial condition.” This disclosure, or something like it, make cuts across the board, including education. Vulnerability to is now regularly included in documentation by municipal issuers. state funding changes can be measured by analyzing the district’s While we would love to have more details than that, the exact dependence on state funds relative to total revenues. Of course, magnitude of the pandemic’s repercussions on state and local further federal aid would mitigate this risk. Congress is working finances still cannot be accurately determined. on ideas for more aid, but none have fully passed at this time. The HEROES Act, passed by the House on October 1, 2020 but not However, we do have some clarity on the results of the 2020 fiscal yet by the Senate, contains $676 billion in funds for state and local year, given that most local government fiscal years close in June. governments with $208 billion specifically allocated for education The U.S. Census Bureau reports that total state tax revenue declined spending. The HEROES Act comes with an important restriction: 29% in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter states may not cut their budgets for education spending, which will in 2019. The chart below exposes the states with the largest declines help to further protect school districts from state funding cuts if in total tax revenue when comparing Q2 2019 to Q2 2020. Most enacted. 20
Also, the National League of Cities reveals that all major local tax while smaller cities like Jacksonville and Salt Lake City experienced revenue sources slowed with severe declines in sales and income tax net gains in new residents. receipts. Sales tax revenue dropped by 11% on average in the 2020 fiscal year. Property tax revenue continued to grow, but the growth Looking forward to the 2021 fiscal year, many questions linger. rate slowed compared to 2019 and may continue to slow and even Cities and states are anticipating an even larger decline in general decline in 2021 and 2022 depending on economic conditions. fund revenues than they experienced during 2020, reserve levels Property tax trends are slow to follow economic fluctuations have lessened from pre-pandemic levels, and it is not clear when or if because assessed valuations are typically set well in advance of the events and gatherings may resume regular schedules. Investors must actual bills being due, and changes in assessed valuations are often continue to diligently monitor their holdings for potential credit more muted than changes in market value due to caps on assessed deterioration as outlined in our earlier Municipal Credit Update valuation increases and other calculation considerations. However, concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. (https://www.gobaker.com/ the longer the economy remains depressed, the more likely it is municipal-credit-update-managing-credit-risk-amid-the-covid-19- that home prices will deteriorate and cause declines in property tax pandemic/) n revenue absent rate increases. Dana Sparkman Senior Vice President/Municipal Analyst Certain downtown areas and other once busy areas that are now The Baker Group LP much emptier because of people working from home may be Contact: 405-415-7223 particularly susceptible to property tax revenue declines as demand dana@GoBaker.com for those expensive commercial spaces lessens, especially if the work- Dana Sparkman, CFA, is Senior Vice President/ from-home trend remains after the pandemic ends. Some large cities Municipal Analyst in The Baker Group’s Financial Strategies Group. She manages a may even experience de-urbanization if people choose to relocate to municipal credit database that covers more smaller cities in favor of more space and, in some cases, less taxes. than 150,000 municipal bonds, providing According to LinkedIn, New York City and the San Francisco Bay clients with specific credit metrics essential in assessing municipal credit. Dana earned Area both recently experienced steep declines in their inflow-to- a bachelor’s degree in finance from the outflow ratios with both cities losing more people than they gained University of Central Oklahoma as well as the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. 21
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The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is hosting its fourth annual Regional Economic Conditions Conference The conference will focus on the economic impact of COVID-19 across the Ninth District, with special attention paid to the pandemic’s impact on workers. The event will be keynoted by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who will talk about the challenges and opportunities for the Peace Garden State. The conference will also feature presentations and panel discussions with prominent economists. Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. CT Free and open to the public Register now Save the Date April 6-9, 2021 Radisson Hotel Bismarck, ND Dakota School of Lending Principles 23
122 East Main Ave., Suite 201 | Bismarck, ND 58501 | p 701.223.5303 | e angi@ndba.com Celebrating Holidays BENEFIT TRUST Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic Live Well, Work Well Health and Wellness tips for your work, home and life brought to you by ND BANKS Benefit Trust. 'Tis the season for holiday planning. Yet, gatherings • Avoid contact with people outside of your of families and friends, crowded parties and travel household for 14 days before the gathering. may put Americans at an increased risk for COVID-19. Also, it’s important to stay home if you do not feel well The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or are at a higher risk for serious complications from recommends that you carefully consider the spread risk COVID-19. of in-person holiday celebrations. During a Gathering Consider the following tips from the CDC to reduce your risk of being exposed to, contracting or spreading COVID-19 during an in-person event: • Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people you don’t live with – and be mindful in areas where Several factors contribute to COVID-19 spreading in it may be harder to do so, such as restrooms and group settings. Those include community spread of the eating areas. coronavirus, event location, event duration, quantity • Wear a mask at all times when around people who of attendees and the locations where attendees are don’t live in your household. coming from. It’s also important to consider attendees’ • Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or behavior both prior to the gathering and during the shared items. celebration. • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If Before a Gathering soap and water are not readily available, use a If you choose to attend an in-person event, consider the hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. following tips prior to the gathering: If you want to celebrate the holidays as safely as possible • Check whether the host has steps in place to this year, consider celebrating virtually or with members prevent the spread of the coronavirus. of your own household. n • Bring along supplies likeMain 122 East extra masks, Ave., tissues Suite 201 and ND 58501 | Bismarck, | p 701.223.5303 | e angi@ndba.com alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 24
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