With offices all over the world, Bryan Cave attorneys are often quoted in the news.  Recent Media Mentions of Financial Institutions Group attorneys include:

Andreassen, Hester in Bank Safety & Soundness Advisor

DC Associate Kristine Andreassen and Atlanta Associate Barry Hester were quoted extensively Feb. 20 by The Bank Safety & Soundness Advisor concerning recently revised guidance from the FDIC that, among other things, attempts to keep unsteady community banks from taking too much payment processor risk. The revised guidance doesn’t contain anything “shocking,” but it does signal that payment processing will be a higher exam priority, Andreassen said. Hester confirmed that payment processors are increasingly approaching banks with offers that are too good to be true. “There are more legitimate payment processing systems and methods out there – a lot of excellent opportunities,” but banks need to take the time to properly vet these partnerships, he told the publication.

Atkinson in Charlotte Observer

Charlotte Partner B.T. Atkinson was quoted Feb. 21 by The Charlotte Observer concerning the federal government’s desire to end the politically unpopular Troubled Asset Relief Program. The government cannot force banks to repay TARP funds early under the terms of the capital investments brokered at the height of the financial crisis. To extricate itself, the Treasury is considering selling its stakes to third parties or restructuring their terms. Atkinson said it is more likely that the government would sell its TARP stakes, possibly at auction. He said the Treasury could move forward as early as the third quarter.  Click here to read the full article.

Moeling in Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Partner Walt Moeling was quoted February 19 in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution regarding the impact of the deteriorating economy on the small businesses and banks of Henry County, Ga.  Once among the nation’s fastest-growing counties, Henry is now the largest county in Georgia without a hometown bank.  All five locally owned banks failed during the economic downturn.

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With attorneys and staff worldwide, Bryan Cave attorneys often make the news. Sometimes media mentions highlight the firm’s involvement with notable clients, sometimes the individual accomplishments of attorneys and staff. Recent media mentions of attorneys in the financial institutions practice include:

Klingler in American Banker

Atlanta Associate Robert Klingler was quoted Aug. 4 by American Banker regarding the charges against Rep. Maxine Waters, and whether those charges might be of use to banks denied TARP funds. An ethics panel report alleges Waters may have broken rules when she helped a trade group arrange a meeting between then-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and executives of OneUnited Bank, an institution with financial ties to her husband and huge losses from the takeovers of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Klingler said the government had a uniform standard for deciding TARP investments – essentially awarding funds to institutions that could prove their viability – and no one ever expected the system to be perfect. “We understand that the process will sometimes result in wrong outcomes,” he said, adding that those who believe they were treated unfairly could use the Waters investigation for “rhetoric” at best. “I don’t know that it is rhetoric that necessarily the public is happy with. Generally, the public is opposed to TARP. So hearing a bank whine about not getting TARP isn’t going to get the American public riled up.”

Moeling in National, Regional Publications 

Atlanta Partner Walt Moeling was quoted in the August edition of US Banker on the moves being made by community banks to boost their capital ratios. “In this kind of market, the most successful banks that deal with their problems don’t just take one approach, they pull out the playbook,” Moeling said. “My most successful clients have cut expenses, sold branches, consolidated charters, disposed of nonbank activities.” Click here to read the full article. Moeling was quoted Aug. 10 by American Banker (reprinted by Bank Investment Consultant online) concerning a push of stock offerings expected this fall from community banks, particularly via private placements rather than public offerings. Click here to read the article. In addition, he was quoted Aug. 2 in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution regarding JPMorgan Chase & Co., which plans to open 10 new bank branches across the northern metro Atlanta area by the end of the year. Eight currently are under construction. Click here to read the article.

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With attorneys and staff worldwide, Bryan Cave attorneys often make the news.  Sometimes media mentions highlight the firm’s involvement with notable clients, sometimes the individual accomplishments of attorneys and staff.  Recent media mentions of attorneys in Bryan Cave’s financial institutions practice include:

With attorneys and staff worldwide, attorneys in Bryan Cave’s financial institutions practice often make the news.  Sometimes media mentions highlight the firm’s involvement with notable clients, sometimes the individual accomplishments of attorneys and staff.  Recent media mentions include:

Atkinson in Winston-Salem Journal

Charlotte Partner B.T. Atkinson was quoted Feb. 3 in the Winston-Salem Journal on the Obama administration’s proposal to offer $30 billion in financing to community banks to help support the Small Business Lending Fund, which is aimed at creating jobs.

Klingler in Financial Times, Others

Atlanta Associate Robert Klingler was quoted Feb. 2 in the Financial Times on President Barack Obama’s pledge to direct $30 billion in repaid TARP funds to community banks, so they can beef up lending to small businesses. He also was quoted Feb. 3 in BNA’s Banking Daily on Obama’s pledge and Feb. 5 in the Memphis Business Journal describing why less than 10 percent of TARP recipients have paid back their TARP funds.

Moeling in Atlanta Business Chronicle

Atlanta Partner Walt Moeling was quoted Jan. 29 in the Atlanta Business Chronicle concerning First National Bank of Georgia, which was seized and sold to Community & Southern Bank, an investment group led by former bank regulator and noted turnaround specialist Patrick Frawley.

Strahlberg in ABA Bulletin

Chicago Associate Margo Hirsch Strahlberg was featured in an ABA continuing legal education bulletin for her part in the Jan. 28 ABA-sponsored teleconference on gift cards and rebates. Strahlberg’s presentation focused on consumer protection issues related to prepaid cards under both state and federal law. About 80 attendees registered for the event.