Regulatory Support and Local Examiners
Arkansas state-chartered banks enjoy many advantages. As the primary regulator of Arkansas state-chartered banks, the Arkansas Bank Commissioner and State Bank Department are little more than a short drive or call away.
Regionally located offices provide examination staff familiar with your banking area and local economic conditions. The State Bank Department is comprised of Arkansans interested in the welfare of Arkansas financial institutions.
Self-Examination Program
The Self-Examination Program is available to commercial banks on a voluntary, monthly basis. It is an effective management tool for Bank Managers and Board of Directors that provides:
- Concise presentation of key ratios and performance indicators
- Timely, accurate and meaningful information to assist with understanding strengths and weaknesses.
- Meaningful peer information from all commercial banks participating within Arkansas
Management simply has to complete an input sheet and submit this to the Department. Department personnel review the information for accuracy and return the reports back within a week.
This service is offered to the banks at no cost.
Competitive Cost
State Bank Department assessments are competitive with fees assessed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
Assessments
Effective January 2025
Semiannual Assessment, $100,000,000 in assets
ASBD: $16,725
OOC: $12,638
Trainings
The Arkansas State Bank Department continually strives to provide outstanding training for examination staff and bankers. Some training previously offered included Capital Markets, Call Report, Fraud, and Bankruptcy.
Member banks of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors have access to first class compliance and management training offered by CSBS
Accessibility
All State Bank Department personnel are personally available. This promotes better communication and faster resolution of questions and concerns from bankers.
Local Supervision
State banks are examined by people familiar with the issues affecting local economics. State examiners can make a more informed assessment of a bank’s safety and soundness.
Expeditious Treatment
The Arkansas State Bank Department is able to respond to requests from state banks quickly with personal attention by telephone calls, email, or personal visits.
State Governance
Statutes affecting state chartered banks are enacted by the state legislature, which is more sensitive to local needs and conditions than the U.S. Congress. Through contacts with state legislatures and their Governor, state bankers have considerably more opportunity to affect banking policy at the state level than at the federal level.
State Banking Board
State bankers have the opportunity to participate in the regulatory process through the State Banking Board. This structure allows bankers to work with state regulators to achieve a safe, sound, and responsive banking system for all citizens.