What Makes an Institution Successful—A Regulatory Perspective

In this episode, Kathy Lonowski, former regulator with the FDIC, explores the keys to success for community financial institutions. Lonowski shares insights on the importance of proactive risk management, strong communication, and effective data use in decision-making. She explains why involving regulators early in risk discussions is crucial and highlights the significance of corporate governance and stakeholder trust in ensuring long-term success. Lonowski also touches on the role of middle management in addressing issues and stresses the importance of due diligence when launching new products. She wraps up with a practical look at how regulatory bodies coordinate and why preemptive reporting can prevent bigger issues down the line. Resources: • FDIC - Third-Party Risk Management, A Guide for Community Banks • eCFR - Appendix A to Part 364—Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness Guest: Kathy Lonowski Former FDIC Regulator