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Pinion Insights

Check Fraud in the Digital Age: Steps to Safeguard Your Customers

By Pinion Editorial | October 22, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes
It may come as a surprise, but checks – which many consider to be outdated – have become the payment type most vulnerable to fraud and are affecting most financial institutions and their customers. According to the Association of Financial Professionals, 65% of organizations surveyed have fallen victim to check fraud. …

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The “CAT” is out of the Bag

By Pinion Editorial | October 22, 2024
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Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) recently made an announcement that they will stop making updates to the Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT) and sunset the tool, effective August 31, 2025. The decision comes at a time when the cybersecurity landscape for financial institutions is rapidly evolving and receiving an …

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Documentation is Key for Disaster Assistance after Hurricane Helene

By Pinion Editorial | October 1, 2024
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Reading Time: 2 minutes
Recovery from Hurricane Helene is well underway in the Southeast, and many farmers are struggling with decisions on what to do with damaged crops and livestock facilities. The Category 4 storm impacted farms in the states of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas, where fast winds and flooding washed out …

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Cyber Reality Bites into U.S. Food Supply Chain: How to Protect Your Operation

By Pinion Editorial | September 27, 2024
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Reading Time: 3 minutes
If you’ve previously brushed off the notion of cyber threats, it’s time to reconsider. The food and agriculture industry has just become the seventh most targeted industry in the U.S. for cybercrimes. No size or scope of operation is immune. “Wherever in the country you may live—from California to Nebraska …

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Mastering ICFR Audits: A Guide for Banks with Over $1 Billion in Assets

By Pinion Editorial | September 9, 2024
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Reading Time: 3 minutes
Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) audits are a cornerstone of financial accountability, especially for banks with over $1 billion in assets. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) mandates that public companies, including large banks, maintain robust internal controls and undergo ICFR audits to ensure the accuracy and reliability of their financial …

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Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposure Liability Under (ASC) 326

By Pinion Editorial | September 9, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Since the effective date of ASC 326 (CECL), we’ve been asked several questions regarding the need for a separate liability for off-balance sheet (OBS) credit exposures, or an “unfunded commitments liability”. Several factors should be considered when determining if this is necessary for your financial institution. Here are three essential …

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Navigating HUD Lending: A Guide for Banks

By Pinion Editorial | September 6, 2024
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Reading Time: 3 minutes
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) plays a crucial role in expanding access to affordable housing. By providing federal support and insurance for home loans, HUD helps lower the risk that lenders face when borrowers default on their mortgages. Banks that get involved with HUD lending can …

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