IN-BANK DIRECTOR TRAINING AND NEW DIRECTOR “BOOTCAMP” UNVEILED Susan Poling OBL Education Manager
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Ohio Record summer 2011
OBL In-Bank Training has expanded to a new audience. Since April 2011, in-bank director training has become available to OBL member institutions. And per recent banker request, the program has added a feature called the New Director “Bootcamp” which is focused more on basics for new bank and thrift directors. “Financial institution director education is becoming increasingly important as all regulatory agencies look for director training in the examination process,” said Julie Kiplinger, OBL manager of in-bank training. “These new programs offer appropriate director training and governance in a wide variety of areas to assist bank directors in better understanding the complex role and responsibilities of financial institution directors.” Led by Jeff Smith, partner at OBL Affiliate Member Bricker & Eckler LLP, more than a dozen training topics are offered, ranging from bank director “basics” for new directors, to a menu of topics involving directors’ roles and responsibilities generally and in such specific situations as M&A, “troubled” institutions, compensation, capital formation, corporate governance, and regulatory relations. Since the programs are tailored to address the issues and concerns facing bank and thrift directors at a specific institution, additional programs can also be developed for each institution. The program kicked off at First Federal S & L of Delta this spring with a session focusing on The Role and Responsibilities of Financial Institution Directors. President Jim Coe said, “We decided to use the League’s in-bank training for directors because it simplified the education process for our directors. It was certainly convenient getting this regulatory requirement covered in this manner, and the OBL program allowed us to have all the directors together at one time - scheduled during our regular board meeting - in a setting and format where they felt comfortable.” “The OBL In-Bank Director Training program is structured to provide a practical and pragmatic overview of the role and responsibilities of financial institution directors, and more specifically with regard to their various (and sometimes conflicting) obligations and constituencies in specific instances. It provides a forum for informal discussion of real-world issues and situations impacting directors in performance of their duties,” noted Smith. “And since no regulators, auditors, professors, or plaintiff’s lawyers are present, it presents an opportunity to speak openly and frankly about practical issues in the current banking environment.” Smith concluded, “The sessions also help to provide a reduced risk profile for participating institutions, potentially reduced insurance expenses, and ultimately a reduced likelihood of issues for the institution and its board.” For more details about the OBL’s new In-Bank Directors Training or customized OBL In-Bank Training on such topics as management, customer service and relationship banking, contact Julie Kiplinger at (614) 340-7612.