External Links

This issue of Community Banking Connections discusses how community banks are re-evaluating their strategies to remain competitive and profitable, reviews cyber-related risks and exposures, discusses the security risks and privacy issues associated with mobile banking, and reviews some of the benefits and risks of outsourcing internal audit at community banks.

This bulletin highlights how the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA) protects servicemembers regarding issues such as rental agreements, loans, mortgage rates, and more. It includes Federal Reserve examiner expectations when reviewing a bank’s SCRA compliance program. See also an Outlook Live Webinar on Servicemember Financial Protection.

The Federal Reserve is hosting a webcast, Community Bank Risk-Focused Consumer Compliance Supervision Program, on Thursday, March 6, 2014. The event will provide an overview of the revised program, including the risk-focused examination approach, the new examination frequency policy, and what community bankers may expect.

Read about opportunities and challenges facing community banks, the importance of risk management in home equity lending, risks related to end of support for Microsoft Windows XP, what to consider before reaching for yield, why payments-related fraud remains a concern, and common regulatory reporting errors by small holding companies.

In this issue, read about the importance of community bank capital planning and the impact of the new capital rules, learn more about interest rate risk measurement techniques, and understand the importance of inherent BSA/AML risk assessments. Special segments focus on a recent community bank research conference and patent lawsuits against banks.

The Third Quarter 2013 issue of Consumer Compliance Outlook discusses home equity line of credit (HELOC) compliance and fair lending risks when property values change, the importance of the consumer compliance internal audit function, and new garnishment rule compliance requirements for accounts receiving certain federal benefits. Recent consumer compliance-related regulatory updates are also featured.

This bulletin provides an overview of how Federal Reserve Examiners typically review and evaluate a community bank’s appraisal and evaluation program. It includes information about appraisal regulations and interagency guidelines, common examination findings noted in community banks, and more.

The Federal Reserve is hosting a webcast, Conducting Consumer Compliance Risk Assessments – Examiner Insights, on Tuesday, August 20, 2013. During the webcast, examiners will provide their insights on consumer compliance risk assessments, focusing on why they’re important, suggesting ways to complete them, and highlighting some risk assessment red flags.