article thumbnail

The Impact of Reciprocal Tariffs on Community Banking

South State Correspondent

“Liberation Day” brought a 10% baseline tax on all imports plus a 15% to 49% tariff rate on a defined set of nations (below). The recent uncertain shifts in trade policies, particularly increased tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico, have introduced specific uncertainties for community banks.

article thumbnail

We Can Improve Your ROA – Test Us

South State Correspondent

The banking industry’s average return on assets (ROA) for Q1/25 was 1.16% – an improvement from the prior quarter and the one before that. Community banks between $100mm and $10Bn in assets recognized 1.13% ROA. Community banks are facing several primary challenges.

US 195
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Using Forward Rate Locks to Win Customers and Manage Risk

South State Correspondent

We work with hundreds of community banks across the country that utilize forward rate locks to decrease risk, increase fee income, and stave off competition from national and regional banks. National lenders have been using forward rate locks for decades, and these instruments can take many forms.

article thumbnail

Addressing Bank Risk When Economic Uncertainty Is At All-time High

South State Correspondent

During first-quarter updates, many US banks amended their expectations because of economic uncertainty and a possible business downturn. How should community banks interpret the current economic uncertainty, the possible reset to the business environment, and how should managers address risks?

article thumbnail

Here is The Largest Reason for Community Bank Consolidation

South State Correspondent

Community banks (under $10B in assets) serve a key role for borrowers, local communities, and the broader US economy. Community banks are better positioned than many other creditors to follow and adapt to local economies, industries and trends, thereby, being better stewards of capital. The number of U.S.

article thumbnail

Community Bank Hedging Options

South State Correspondent

Over the last 15 years, an ever greater percentage of community banks have embraced some form of interest rate hedging. Approximately 1,000 banks in the country use some form of hedging products to manage risk, generate fee income, or provide product offerings demanded by their customers. Loan-level Vs. Balance Sheet Hedging.

article thumbnail

Community Bank Hedging Options

South State Correspondent

Over the last 15 years, an ever greater percentage of community banks have embraced some form of interest rate hedging. Approximately 1,000 banks in the country use some form of hedging products to manage risk, generate fee income, or provide product offerings demanded by their customers. Loan-level Vs. Balance Sheet Hedging.