Smith & Wilkinson’s Post

Join Christine Hause, VP and Senior Wealth Strategist, or Kerry Hunter, Wealth Strategist, members of our Trust and Wealth Management Services division, for a free seminar, Wills and Trusts: Creation and Funding. Christine and Kerry will present vital information on the topics from a trust officer’s point of view, sharing ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your assets. You'll learn the difference between a last will and testament and a revocable living trust, how each works, and how best to title assets and assign proper beneficiaries. Bring your questions and concerns as it relates to your estate. Tuesday, Feb. 6 - North Port branch, 4300 Aidan Lane, North Port, 10 a.m. - Englewood Chamber of Commerce, 601 S. Indiana Avenue, Englewood, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 - Murdock branch, 1100 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, and via WebEx, 10 a.m. - Venice branch, 207 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 - Wauchula branch, 106 E. Main Street, Wauchula, 10 a.m. - DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce, 222 E. Oak Street, Arcadia, 2 p.m. You can reserve your spot at any Crews Bank & Trust branch, online at https://hubs.ly/Q02hVpkX0 or by calling Trust Operations Associate Linda Ferrara at 941-624-1943. Investments are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, the bank, are not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal government agency, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal.

One of 2024’s most significant transactions was announced recently when Wells Fargo sold off the bulk of its non-agency CRE loan servicing business to Trimont. Once the deal closes in early 2025, Trimont will manage a whopping $640 billion in U.S. loans—that represents about 11% of the country's CRE lending market—which will make it the nation’s largest loan servicer. This move comes as banks like Wells Fargo face rising interest rates and ongoing challenges in the CRE sector, from falling property values to surging office vacancies. https://reut.rs/3Xyk9kK #CommercialRealEstate #CRENews #WellsFargo #FinanceTrends #RealEstateInvesting

I feel so humbled and extremely honored that my client took the time to build and share her story. 🥺 I know across all industries, *most* of us would say we do what we do-for the PEOPLE. 🥰 It’s always about the PEOPLE. I never want to forget that. I started my career knowing I wanted to help people, and I will not waver on that being a theme and constant thoughout it. If you work with clients, know you are making a difference in their lives. And it’s a pretty simple formula: Show up, support alongside, and go the extra mile-it’s never crowded. 😉 #finance #wealth #womeninfinance #trust #investments

From my experience Karen Butcher will add value that will increase teammate & customer retention. The end result of customer & teammate retention is ???

Our clients’ success is our success. How can we help you?  

Meet Jeff Kuhlman, a SVP, Senior Relationship Banker. When asked how First Western Trust stands out from other financial institutions he’s worked for, Jeff shared, "First Western Trust allows me to utilize my experience spanning over 30 years in both lending* and wealth management**. At most other organizations, it was typically one or the other.” https://hubs.la/Q02MfqhJ0 *Lending services offered through First Western Trust Bank, Member FDIC **Wealth Management Services are Not a deposit, Not guaranteed by the Bank, May Lose Value

The bank, New York Community Bancorp, that bought most of the assets of the failed Signature Bank is under the microscope today: > Abrupt departure of CEO, > Announced material weaknesses in internal controls, and > Stock down 22% as of this post thus far today. While this is not, necessarily, something that will be akin to the "contagion" that struck some banks last year, it might be a bit of a canary in the coal mine as it relates to commercial real estate exposure, excessive growth, and inadequate internal controls ... UPDATE: According to the Wall Street Journal, NYCB has named a new Chief Risk Officer and new Chief Audit Executive, both coming from outside of the organization (https://lnkd.in/eb_RVZP8)

A full Stock Yards Bank & Trust team composed of Fraud, Research, Mortgage Banking & Business Banking taught Financial Literacy, Fraud & Scam Prevention at Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Inc. last week. This is part of a series of Financial Education classes Stock Yards Bank has been teaching since December 2023! Don't forget to check out our latest blog post from our Chairman & CEO regarding the importance of financial literacy at https://brev.is/Pkhrp #FinancialLiteracyMonth #MoneySmart #FinancialEducation

You hear it said that "thoughts become things." Last year, Creekside Capital was a thought Kari Reents had when searching for a way to expand Creekside Analysis Ltd. financial services. She stumbled across private lending, and with 11 years experience in the #banking industry, it was the perfect addition. Creekside Capital specializes in finding capital for Ag producers and small business owners. We advocate and speak banker for you, so you don't have to. All you have to do is stay focused on your business. The traditional lending landscape has changed rapidly, and not everyone can access #capital like they used to, but there are other options. Contact us to discover an easier way to obtain the financing you need! #agfinance #supportsmallbusiness #privatelending

Check out this insightful story by Imani Moise of the The Wall Street Journal that highlights the benefits of community banks and credit unions. According to the story, "some bank customers are going small, pushing back against a wave of consolidation that has concentrated deposits and loans in a handful of the largest banks. Many have found that making a switch not only gets them more face time with bankers, but they are also earning more and paying less." At Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, we are a proud partner of community banks, credit unions, and local lenders. Together, we advance homeownership, affordable housing, and economic development across Arizona, California, and Nevada. Read the story: https://lnkd.in/eSKEEy7D