There’s no skirting around the fact that cyber security is a major threat and cause for alarm today. In August 2019 alone, 114.6 million financial records were leaked in 95 breaches around the world1—and that’s just the ones we know of. Only 10-12% of cybercrimes in the U.S. are reported.2
Leveraged lending offers credit to commercial businesses with high levels of debt, helps companies obtain funding for leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, and recapitalizing businesses. While many commercial businesses see success from these loans and are able to repay them, the high levels of debt and lower liquidity can reduce a business’ ability to respond to unexpected changes in economic conditions.
The statistics surrounding the dire state of retirement in America are abundant. According to a 2019 Bankrate Financial Security Index survey, 21% of Americans aren’t saving any money at all. Forty eight percent of working adults are saving something, but still less than 10% of their annual income.1
There are good companies to work for, bad companies to work for, and there are great companies to work for. What is it that makes a company the “best”? What is their company culture like? Harvard Business Review (HBR) researched the best places to work in the United States looking for these answers. We’re not just looking for what they do differently, but why the things they do see success.
Training and education are transforming elements of a community bank. Education has cultural, personal, and financial benefits to a bank and can make the difference between a good bank and a great one, says Group Executive Vice President for ICBA’s (Independent Community Bankers of America) Community Banker University, Lindsay LaNore, in a Main Street Banking podcast. In no circumstance is knowledge ever wasted: it’s the foundation of innovation and growth.
Many believe we have been moving toward a cashless society in which all financial transactions are digital. Many financiers and government authorities favor bidding adieu to cash-- there’d be lower crime rates with no physical money to steal, financial crimes and money laundering would be much harder to commit if there’s a record of every payment you ever receive, we would save money by not printing bills and coins, people would have ease of use when managing their cash, and it would make international travel so much easier.
Ringing in the new year (and new decade!) is cause for celebration—spending time with friends and family and looking back on the year. A lot can happen in a year, good and bad. With reflection comes new beginnings and fresh starts.
The air is filled with good vibes and glad tidings at Christmastime. There are so many fun activities and events unique to the season, and while it’s not possible to do them all, it’s fun to deliberate and choose some that are special to you and yours. Whether you’re looking for new traditions or wanting to change up some standing ones, we’ve got you covered.
The Christmas season is a uniquely busy time of year. It seems like every single day in December a new event or task is being added to the calendar—holiday parties, family dinners, children’s performances, cookie exchanges, gift shopping, holiday traditions, Secret Santa’s, tree decorating… the list goes on and on. It often begins with the best intentions: time together, fun memories, and a wonderful holiday season for our family.