The Banker Next Door

Episode 371: How do you build a net worth of $500,000?

This episode examines an article from Investopedia titled “How real people made a net worth of over $500,000.” This article espouses that anyone can achieve a net worth of $500,000 based on common starting points. The article offers core strategies and ‘easy pick-ups.’ Also discussed are some best practices and how you can build net worth through good habits and a simple investing strategy. A link to the article is included below.  
Link:  How Real People Made a Net Worth of Over $500,000

Episode 370: How can banks fight AI-boosted spear fishing fraud?

This episode examines an article from Independent Banker Magazine titled “How to fight AI-boosted spear phishing fraud.” Spear fishing is a type of cyberattack that involves emails, video calls, or other forms of communication carried out by fraudsters posing as a trusted colleague or boss. AI is now supercharging spear fishing attacks. 50% of all businesses have experienced fraud involving audio and video deepfakes. What can banks do to combat this type of fraud? A link to the article is included below.
Link: How to Fight AI-Boosted Spear Phishing Fraud

Episode 369: How can banks fight AI-powered elder fraud?

This episode examines an article from Independent Banker Magazine titled “How community banks are fighting AI-powered elder fraud.” Community banks are working to combat fraudsters using AI to target seniors. ICBA CRA Solutions has ramped up efforts to help community banks earn CRA credits by preventing elder fraud. Some statistics on elder fraud in 2023: 101,068 complaints, -$3.4 billion total losses, $33,915 average dollar loss per complaint, 5,920 complaints lost more than $100,000. A link to the article is included below.  
Link: How Community Banks Are Fighting AI-Powered Elder Fraud

Episode 368: How can banks utilize marketing personalization?

This episode examines an article from Independent Banker Magazine titled “Marketing personalization is more than adding names to emails.” Marketing personalization is about reaching a younger audience using a hyper-personalized approach. The article considers if gamification should be part of your personalization mix. It outlines avenues for personalization, which include direct mail, email, websites, and branch and call centers. In addition, how should you safeguard a customer’s privacy? A link to the article is included below.
Link: Marketing Personalization Is More Than Adding Names to Emails

Episode 367: What happened when OpenAI fired Sam Altman?

This episode examines an article from The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) titled “The secrets and misdirection behind Sam Altman’s firing from OpenAI.” This article delves into questions that people have really wanted answers to such as what really happened when Sam Altman was fired by the board. Were there culture issues? Was Sam a liar? Did the board overreach? Was this typical “corporate politics”? Why was Sam rehired so quickly?

Episode 366: Let's build a high-performance sales culture!

This episode examines a recent article from Bank Director titled “Building a high-performance sales culture.” Building a high-performance sales culture focuses on three main areas that include value-based selling, coaching and continuous development, and long-term relationship building. The article also goes into the key to sales success, key metrics for a strong sales culture, and transforming your current sales culture. A link to the article is included below.
Link:  Building a High-Performance Sales Culture | Bank Director

Episode 365: Let's talk about ESG and DEI

This episode examines three articles from The Wall Street Journal (subscription required), Epoch Times (subscription required), and CNBC. The Wall Street Journal article is titled “Morgan Stanley went big on DEI, and no one is happy about it.” The Epoch Times article is titled “ESG and DEI are down but not out, analysts say.” The CNBC article is titled “Game over for ESG investing due to Trump backlash? Analysts say no.” ESG and DEI are terms that have come under fire in the last few years. Companies are beginning to pull back as politics and consumers have turned against these concepts. But are they going away? A link to the CNBC article is included below.
Link: Trump’s backlash isn’t 'game over' for ESG investing

Episode 364: Review of OCC bank trading revenue report for 4Q 2024

This episode examines a report from the OCC titled “OCC Quarterly Report on Bank Trading and Derivatives Activities.” This is a quarterly report issued by the OCC that reports on cumulative trading revenue of U.S. commercial banks and savings associations and bank derivative activity. This is a great report for getting statistics on derivatives. According to the report, 1,202 insured U.S. banks held derivatives, with the four largest banks holding 86.5% of all derivative contracts. Total derivative notional contracts total $186.5 Trillion. Links to the OCC press release and report are included below.  
Link: OCC Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Bank Trading Revenue | OCC
Link: Quarterly Report on Bank Trading and Derivatives Activities

Episode 363: Review of OCC mortgage performance report for 4Q 2024

This episode examines a report from the OCC titled “OCC Mortgage Metrics Report.” This is a quarterly report from the OCC that reports on first-lien mortgage performance. According to the report, 97.3% of mortgages were current and performing at the end of 2024. Links to the OCC press release and report are included below.
Link: OCC Reports Mortgage Performance for Fourth Quarter of 2024 | OCC
Link: Mortage Metrics Report Fourth Quarter 2024

Episode 362: Review of Bank Director's 2025 Risk Survey

This episode examines Bank Director’s 2025 Risk Survey and two related articles. The articles are titled “2025 Risk Survey: Cybersecurity, fraud at the forefront” and “Stemming the fraud epidemic.” Fraud emerged as the major issue in this year’s survey. Other major risk topics included cyberattacks, applying stress test data, diminishing deposit woes, strengthening BSA/AML compliance, and regulators focus on liquidity. Links to both articles and the 2025 Risk Survey are included below.
Link: 2025 Risk Survey: Cybersecurity, Fraud at the Forefront  | Bank Director
Link: Stemming the Fraud Epidemic | Bank Director
Link: 2025RiskReport-Open.pdf