CSBS certifies state banking departments

Northwestern Financial Review, Feb 1-Feb 14, 2005

The Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions recently received accreditation from the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. The agency, which oversees 63 commercial banks and four non-deposit trust companies with total commercial bank assets of $12 billion, is led by Commissioner Annie Goodwin.

"Accreditation demonstrates the Division's commitment to achieving and maintaing the highest levels of quality bank supervision, which provides tremendous benefits to Montana's citizens and banks," said CSBS President and CEO, Neil Milner.

The accreditation process includes a self-evaluation, which reviews all aspects of the department's operations, policies, procedures, funding and statutory authority.

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions received re-accreditation from the bank supervisor's group. Wisconsin DFI was first accredited in 1988 with this being its fourth accreditation.

"This periodic examination process and subsequent certification recognizes that Wisconsin's bank examiners are providing the highest quality service," said secretary Lorrie Keating Heinemann. Wisconsin DFI regulates 232 state-chartered banks, 287 credit unions and 1,403 mortgage banker/brokers.