OUR CLIENTS
Our clients include many of the top performing banks in South Florida. including the following:
**Client Story // 01**
For over 15 years, we’ve maintained one of our longest-standing client relationships, partnering with a bank that faced significant challenges during the Real Estate Meltdown. At the time, the bank’s non-performing loans and investments exceeded 30% of its total assets, severely impacting its capital due to substantial write-downs and loss provisions—a situation common among local banks during the crisis.
To regain control, the bank needed to streamline its loan workout efforts and develop a recapitalization strategy. They turned to us to overhaul their loan workout reporting processes, aiming to automate and enhance efficiency. At the time, the bank relied on individual Excel spreadsheets for each loan, with multiple sheets tracking cash flows, taxes, collateral, and workout plans. These inputs were manually compiled into reports for weekly loan committee meetings, a labor-intensive process that took days to prepare.
We stepped in and developed custom macros to automatically extract key data from each spreadsheet, enabling the bank to update reports with a single click. We also introduced a feature to track the last update time for each file, ensuring the team could quickly identify which properties required attention before meetings.
This transformation saved the bank several days of work each week, providing real-time updates and saving thousands of hours annually. The new summary report included links to detailed files, offering drill-down capabilities that allowed the team to investigate unusual entries or access in-depth information during meetings.
After successfully recapitalizing, the bank explored potential acquisitions. They wanted to independently prescreen targets before engaging an investment bank. Using a widely available reporting service, we conducted peer comparisons, generated detailed target reports, and created pro forma financials to assess how acquisitions would align with their strategic plans.
Although the bank ultimately chose not to pursue acquisitions, they saved significantly on investment banking fees while thoroughly evaluating the market.
Finally, the bank needed support with its Asset Liability Management (ALM) process. Lacking internal expertise, they engaged us to fill gaps in ALM reporting. We conducted deposit studies, prepayment analyses, margin analyses, and more. We also validated quarterly reports from their external vendor and prepared summary reports and talking points for their ALCO committee and CFO.
Since 2010, we’ve been their trusted partner in this process, helping the bank reduce costs while earning high marks from regulators for their ALM program. This enduring collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that drive efficiency, compliance, and long-term success.
** CLIENT STORY // 02**
One of our valued clients faced significant challenges with their Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (ALLL) process. Their methodology was outdated, and their reporting was manual, time-consuming, and prone to errors. They needed a comprehensive overhaul to modernize their approach, incorporate both quantitative and qualitative factors, and automate their reporting processes.
**Our Solution:**
1. **ALLL Methodology Update:**
We began by revamping their ALLL methodology to align with practices used by other local banks, which were already accepted by regulators. This ensured compliance and improved accuracy in their loan loss calculations.
2. **Data Consolidation & Automation:**
The client was using multiple Excel files for their reporting, which led to inefficiencies and inconsistencies. We consolidated these files into an Access Database that could be updated directly from their loan system. This eliminated manual data entry and reduced errors.
- We created professional, standardized reports in Access that could be generated automatically with minimal manual intervention.
- This streamlined the reporting process and saved significant time for the team.
3. **Standardized Reporting Across Departments:**
To address inconsistencies in reporting from various departments, we developed a centralized file that served as the "single source of truth." This file standardized reporting across all areas of the bank.
- We implemented a validation process where each department was responsible for verifying specific fields.
- Exception reports were created to highlight discrepancies or areas requiring further investigation, ensuring data accuracy and accountability.
4. **Transition to a Data Mart:**
After successfully implementing the solution in Access, we collaborated with the client’s IT team to migrate the SQL queries and data sources into a centralized data mart. This data mart was designed to run monthly, further automating the reporting process and ensuring data integrity.
- The results were transformative: monthly reporting became fully automated, validated, and integrated into a seamless new process.
5. **Asset Liability Management (ALM) Process Improvement:**
The client then asked us to review their ALM process, where we identified significant data issues, including missing information and incorrectly formatted rates.
- We expanded the data mart to include these critical fields, enabling the Treasurer to review accurate and comprehensive reports each month.
- We re-implemented their Sendero model to properly capture and model their financial products. This resulted in accurate rate sensitivity analysis, providing a clearer and more reliable picture of their financial position.
6. **Training & Knowledge Transfer:**
To ensure long-term success, we trained the client’s staff on how to properly load data, validate reports, and generate insights. This empowered the team to maintain the new processes independently.
**Results:**
The client was thrilled with the outcomes. The updated ALLL methodology, automated reporting, and improved ALM process not only saved time but also provided accurate, consistent, and actionable insights. The bank now operates with greater efficiency, compliance, and confidence in its financial reporting and risk management processes.
This project exemplifies our ability to deliver tailored solutions that address complex challenges, streamline operations, and drive meaningful results for our clients.