Tag Archives: financial services

Business, Financial, Non-Profit

Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union Promotes Montero and David to New Executive Roles

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County Federal Names New Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Experience Officer.

San Jose, CA, USA — The Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union (http://www.sccfcu.org) today announced the promotions of Jennifer Montero and Divine David to new executive roles.

Jennifer Montero has been named Senior Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer. Jennifer has been serving as SVP/Organizational Development. She has extensive knowledge in the field of human resources management and specializes in high-growth operations and restructuring. Jennifer previously served on County Federal’s Board of Directors. In her expanded role, she will be responsible for providing strategic leadership in all human resource functions, learning and talent development initiatives, and special programs. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from San Jose State University.

Divine David has been promoted from Senior Vice President/Chief Lending Officer to Senior Vice President/Chief Experience Officer. Divine has a long history in banking, having worked with San Francisco Federal Credit Union, Provident Credit Union, Golden 1 Credit Union, and Bank of the West. In her new role, Divine will be responsible for enhancing the member experience and improving membership services. She holds a Management degree from Golden Gate University.

“Both Jennifer and Divine have been instrumental in helping us maintain the standard of excellence that members expect from County Federal” said Rebecca Reynolds Lytle, President and CEO of County Federal. “Expanding their roles allows us to have an even greater impact on the member experience and help us improve and expand our financial services.”

About Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union
For more than 65 years Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union has been helping county, city, and school employees and affiliated organizations with financial services to help them realize their dreams. In addition to maintaining a passionate commitment to provide knowledgeable financial solutions to its members, County Federal also maintains an extensive community outreach program, providing educational support through its scholarship program and dedicating time and resources to a variety of regional non-profit organizations. County Federal offers a comprehensive line of financial products and preferred rates and is committed to empowering, enriching and enhancing members’ financial lives.

For more information, please visit http://www.sccfcu.org.

Media Contact:
Marilyn Avalos
Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union
408.282.0782
mavalos@sccfcu.org

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Business, Financial, Non-Profit

Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union Adds Two New Vice Presidents to Leadership Team

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County Federal Adds Senior Staff to Credit Union As Part of Ongoing Commitment To Extend Superior Services to Members.

San Jose, CA, USA — The Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union (http://www.sccfcu.org) today announced the expansion of its leadership team with the addition of two new Vice Presidents:

Carol Presar is the new Vice President of Learning & Talent Development with responsibility for employee training and human resources support. Carol has an extensive background in developing operational policies and procedures, instructional design, and enterprise-wide talent development. She previously worked with 1st Franklin/Merrill Lynch (now part of Bank of America) and holds a degree in Business Administration.

Steven Naylor is the new County Federal Vice President of IT Infrastructure. Steve has two decades of IT experience, including financial systems design and management. He comes to County Federal from Technology Credit Union and holds a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University as well as a Business degree from West Valley Mission College.

“The success of any credit union hinges on the quality of service to its members, and as part of our commitment to our members, we seek out corporate leaders who share our vision and dedication to excellence,” said Rebecca Reynolds Lytle, President and CEO of County Federal. “As our new Vice Presidents, Carol and Steve bring extensive experience and fresh expertise to help County Federal enhance our member services and improve the membership experience. We are delighted to welcome these credit union veterans to the County Federal family.”

About Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union
For more than 65 years Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union has been helping county, city, and school employees and affiliated organizations with financial services to help them realize their dreams. In addition to maintaining a passionate commitment to provide knowledgeable financial solutions to its members, County Federal also maintains an extensive community outreach program, providing educational support through its scholarship program and dedicating time and resources to a variety of regional non-profit organizations. County Federal offers a comprehensive line of financial products and preferred rates and is committed to empowering, enriching and enhancing members’ financial lives.

For more information, please visit http://www.sccfcu.org.

Media Contact:
Sandy Roque
Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union
408.282.0722
sroque@sccfcu.org

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Business, Financial

Market Rates Insight Report Analyzes How Bank Deposit Rates Are Likely to Rise in 2014

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New Analytical Report, “Likely Scenarios of Rising Deposit Rates in 2014 and Beyond,” Reveals Deposit Rate Trends Expected for CDs, Money Market, and Savings Accounts.

San Anselmo, CA, USA (January 11, 2014) — How will rising deposit rates affect CD rates and savings and checking interest rates in the coming year? That’s the question answered in the latest research report from Market Rates Insight, Inc. (http://www.marketratesinsight.com), the leader in financial services intelligence for deposits, personal loans, mortgages, and fees. The new report, “Likely Scenarios of Rising Deposit Rates in 2014 and Beyond,” provides an analysis of what deposit rates for CDs, savings accounts, money market, and checking accounts are likely to look like in the 2014.

This latest report reveals how deposit rates are likely to trend based on historical data from the last rising rate environment between July 2003 and July 2007. The predictive report can be invaluable to bank marketing executives and senior staff at banks and credit unions who need to plan their rate increases and budget for future interest expenses. Market Rates Insight is the only research company to have more than 25 years of cumulative bank and credit union rate data, giving the firm a more accurate portrait of cyclical market trends.

“As the economy continues to improve, there is no question that bank deposit rates will begin to rise,” said Dr. Dan Geller, Executive Vice President of Market Rates Insight and author of the study. “The real question is when will they rise and to what degree? No one has a crystal ball, but we do have historical data that accurately shows how deposit rates perform during the last rising economic cycle. Scrutinizing past performance can be a very reliable indicator of what lies ahead for deposit rates.”

Trends revealed in the report include:

– The impact of 3-month and 6-month LIBOR rates on deposit products.
– The average increase of deposit product rates on a month-to-month basis.
– The projected performance curve of term accounts and liquid accounts.
– The increase in interest expenses for banks and credit unions for consumer deposits.
– And much more.

The “Likely Scenarios of Rising Deposit Rates in 2014 and Beyond” report provides average rates in seven deposit-product categories: checking, savings, money markets, brief-term CDs (3 months or less), short-term CDs (3 months to 1 year), mid-term CDs (1 to 3 years), and long-term CDs (over 3 years). The report is available now for $995.

For more information, visit http://www.marketratesinsight.com/news/2014DepositTrends.html.

About Market Rates Insight
For more than two decades, Market Rates Insight (MRI) has been helping clients price with precision by providing banks, thrifts, credit unions, and other financial institutions with comprehensive market intelligence on deposits, loans, and fees. MRI’s products include web-enabled, customizable report programming, proprietary product research tools, searchable databases, market alerts, and online dashboards that aggregate key client data to provide real-time interactive views on how they rank against their specific competitors. MRI provides advanced toolsets for deposits, deposit surveys, mortgage and consumer loans, and loan surveys, fees and features pricing in addition to studies, new product alerts, benchmarking and market analyses to give subscribers the intelligence needed to strategically position products, optimize pricing and react to emerging trends.

Market Rates Insight is located in San Anselmo, California. For more information, see http://www.marketratesinsight.com.

Graphics available upon request

For additional information contact:
Tom Woolf
Market Rates Insight
(415) 259-5638
tom.woolf@marketratesinsight.com

Business

Market Rates Insight Releases Findings from its New Consumer Study: Growth and Revenue Potential from Emerging Financial Services

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New fee optimization study reveals perceived value of new financial services and how to optimize fees with service bundles to generate new revenue.

SAN ANSELMO, Calif. (May 30, 2013) — Market Rates Insight, Inc., a leader in financial services intelligence for deposits, personal loans, mortgages, and fees, has completed the analysis phase of its latest consumer research and fee optimization study, “Growth and Revenue Potential for Emerging Financial Services.” The study examines 13 emerging financial services and assesses consumer attitudes about the importance and value of each service, segmented by banks and credit unions as well as demographic groups. The study findings will be reviewed in a webinar to be hosted by Market Rates Insight on June 18.

This study is the only one of its kind to measure consumer attitudes about banking fees and services and was conducted nationwide to help banks and credit unions better understand consumers and identify new revenue sources from fee-based services and service bundles. Banks and credit unions are facing new challenges from non-banking competitors offering banking services, and they need to identify new ways to attract and keep customers. This study provides empirical data on the importance and value of emerging services to help financial institutions create service offerings that attract and retain customers while building revenue.

Some of the preliminary findings reveal that identity theft alerts (70.8%), credit score reporting (71.4%), payment protection services (64.6%), and same-day bill pay (58.7%) currently ranked with the highest consumer demand. Other services such as eldercare services, prepaid reloadable cards, and location-based coupons showed the greatest growth potential with consumers.

This study also reveals for the first time how consumers value certain combinations of services. Consumers typically value service bundles more than individual services, and will pay a premium for bundled services. The study reveals which combination of services command higher fees because of increased consumer demand.

“For the foreseeable future deposit rates will remain flat and loan demand will stay soft, so financial institutions will have to rely in fee revenues for income growth. But to convert services from ‘free to fee,’ banks and credit unions will have to identify new services that consumers want and are willing to pay for. Our new study shows banks and credit unions how to use service fees to expand profits and penetration with both existing and new customers.”

The “Growth and Revenue Potential lf Emerging Financial Services” study is being offered in both an Essential and Premium package. The Essential package includes copies of the complete 150-page study and a competitive survey of 10 financial institutions and their adoption of the 13 emerging financial services. The Premium package includes the survey and competitive data, as well as an optimization analysis of service bundles, an online optimization consultation, copies of the Emerging Trend Spotlight quarterly update, and access to trend analysis and service integration online seminars.

For more information about the study or the upcoming webinar, contact Market Rates Insight at info@marketratesinsight.com.

About Market Rates Insight
For more than two decades, Market Rates Insight (MRI) has been helping clients price with precision by providing banks, thrifts, credit unions, and other financial institutions with comprehensive market intelligence on deposits, loans, and fees. MRI’s products include web-enabled, customizable report programming, proprietary product research tools, searchable databases, market alerts, and online dashboards that aggregate key client data to provide real-time interactive views on how they rank against their specific competitors. MRI provides advanced toolsets for deposits uses deposit surveys, mortgage and consumer loans, and loan surveys, fees and features pricing in addition to studies, new product alerts, benchmarking and market analyses to give subscribers the intelligence needed to strategically position products, optimize pricing and react to emerging trends.

Market Rates Insight is located in San Anselmo, California. For more information, see http://www.marketratesinsight.com.

Photos available upon request

For additional information contact:
Tom Woolf
Market Rates Insight
(415) 259-5638
tom.woolf@marketratesinsight.com

Consumer Services, Financial, Internet & Online

Payday Loans Paid Enter the UK Payday Lending Market

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Paydayloanspaid.co.uk has entered the payday loans online market in the United Kingdom. With a team of financial experts who bring with them an inordinate amount of experience in the unsecured loans sector in the UK, they aim to bring something different into the challenging internet, payday lending sector.

Head of online operations, Jenny Statham explained, ‘’Many payday loan applications are declined from a number of the main lenders in the United Kingdom due to their reliance on passing one application. Our payday loans are slightly different in that we can use our strong relationships with some of the payday lenders to ensure the majority of the applications are approved.”.

Payday loans are a somewhat sensitive subject and have featured heavily in the mainstream British press in recent times, but it appears they could be featuring in the UK lending sector for some time. With some APR’s of payday loans surpassing 4 figures, they have – in some quarters – been rightly criticised. Jenny Statham added, ‘’ we try to make sure any potential applicant are fully aware of the associated costs that come with the payday loan agreement they enter into.  Our advice to people who are considering entering into a payday loan agreement with  a lender they have sourced through Paydayloanspaid.co.uk is to primarily focus on the repayment terms, if they are unable to meet the repayments costs then it is important they do not take on the payday loan.”

With a plethora of payday loan operators frequenting the internet it can be difficult to decide what lender to choose from.  Jenny Statham advised, ‘’if you are looking to secure a payday loan, it is important not to use the first lender you find. Spend some time researching the different providers to ensure you get the very best deal. As there are so many in competition with each other now, there could be some great deals to be found out there”.

Paydayloanspaid.co.uk is one of countless payday loan lenders in the United Kingdom in what some commentators are calling a ‘’saturated market”. They hope, however, to hit the ground running with an easy to use online portal, quality customer service and modest acceptance rates for new applications. Jenny concluded, ‘’we hope to attract people to our online portal who may not have used a payday loan, but have the capacity to service the loan, as new applications will typically have a greater chance of being accepted for a payday loan through our approval system”.­­­­­

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About Paydayloanspaid.co.uk
Paydayloanspaid.co.uk are an online payday loans brokerage. They provide small, short term cash loans for people who are resident within the United Kingdom. They have an online application portal that facilitates new and existing payday loan applications.

Further information – paydayloanspaid.co.uk

General enquiries – support@paydayloanspaid.co.uk

Consumer Services, Financial, Internet & Online

Paydayloansavailable.com Aiming to Decrease Application Times

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Paydayloansavailable.com is the latest online payday lender to have adapted an online lending portal to service UK residents who may be in need of an unsecured lending facility. With the onset of broker style lending,  payday loans are now being processed online in the UK by many service providers using state of the art ‘’Pingtree” technology, working in unison with the UK’s leading payday lenders, and the application facility now being operated by Paydayloansavailable.com is certainly no exception.

The application harnesses secure technology to enable new and existing applicants to push their details through to a panel of lenders after submitting one application form online. The details are transmitted through to the lenders via the application and the subsequent decision is made by one of the chosen payday loan lenders. Jenny Davis, applications manager at Paydayloansavailable.com explained, ‘’we have decided to integrate a Pingtree style application within the site to give applicants a credible opportunity to access funds. The main advantage we have is that all of our applications are submitted to different lenders. The payday providers will then either accept the loan application based on the data that has been submitted, or it will be declined. Either way there is a reduced time implication which can only serve to benefit our customers”.

Online payday lenders are now entrenched within the UK’s unsecured finance sector and it is evident the increased competition has not always culminated in an improved service provided. But, Paydayloansavailable.com aims to at least serve their customers quicker than ever before, as well as giving them increased opportunity to secure short term, unsecured funding online. Jenny Davis added, ‘’there is still a real need in the UK for short term loans and unfortunately there is not the availability of funding through the mainstream lending channels. Whilst we do not condone irresponsible lending, it is important to acknowledge there is a need for credit and we hope to be able to provide an opportunity for finance”.

Paydayloansavailable.com is aiming to make an impact on the lending sector in the UK. Despite their relatively short time operating online, by implementing cutting edge technology into their service provision, they may well be making a positive statement of intent.

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Consumer Services, Defense, Entertainment, Financial, Retail, Shopping, Society

Pioneer Services – Mega Merry Giveaway’ to make holidays brighter for lucky winners

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Pioneer Services will make this holiday season one to remember for eight service members and their families thanks to the Mega Merry Giveaway, a sweepstakes just for active-duty or career-retired service members and their spouses. There will be four winners of $1,000 and four iPad winners—one winner of each from each military branch.

“The Mega Merry Giveaway is our way of thanking those who serve for all they have done for our nation, and in a way that captures the season’s spirit of giving,” said Karen Von Der Bruegge, chief marketing and retail operations officer for Pioneer Services. “The best part—other than the chance to win a thousand dollars or an iPad—is that there is no obligation and no strings attached. All they have to do is be on active duty, career-retired, or a military spouse, and they can enter to win. It really is that easy.”

Those who qualify can enter on the company’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/PioneerServices, or at www.MegaMerryGiveaway.com, which is also where they can find complete rules and details.

“We are incredibly excited for the winners to be selected December 11,” added Von Der Bruegge, “because that is when we will find out who is going to have a very merry holiday season on behalf of Pioneer Services.”

Pioneer Services, the military banking division of MidCountry Bank, provides financial services and award-winning education to members of the Armed Forces. For more than 25 years, Pioneer Services has been a leader in military lending, offering military loans,retail lending, VA loans, Certificates of Deposit, savings accounts, and award-winning financial education programs through a network of offices and on the Internet. Pioneer Services is proud to support military families and communities through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships.

For more information, visit PioneerServices.com. For loan information, visit PioneerMilitaryLoans.com.

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Business, Economy, Financial, Human Resources, International Trade

Friedman Global Announces James Cross Joins Research Team

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Friedman Global, a leading supplier of financial services has recently announced that James Cross has joined the company’s research team. With more than a decade’s worth of experience, he will be very critical to the growth of the business as well as the continuous rise of the company.

“Friedman Global has increased revenues for the past couple of years and improvement of the organizational foundation is a testament to that rate of growth,” said Michael Stone, COO of Friedman Global. “James Cross’s passion and knowledge makes him an invaluable member of the Friedman Global team.”

James Cross will be assigned to making analysis and forecasts on trends of the economy, other than observing developments that will in turn affect the economy as well as the investors. Besides giving critical information to Friedman Global’s clients, Cross will be monitoring all the products of the company.

“One of the most important things to note as of recent is that analysis of the market has now become very important for investors,” said Mr. Cross. “There are no words to describe my excitement in joining a firm that has a global reach and a commanding presence in the industry.”

Friedman Global has hundreds of customers that are being serviced for more than millions upon millions of requests for information on an annual basis. James Cross will be joining the company in the best time possible as Friedman Global has shown a record-setting development and growth due to its new product lines. Before becoming a member of Friedman Global, James Cross was an economist. He started his career at an early age and spent more than a decade in one of the most prestigious brokerage companies in the US.

Contact Details: www.friedman-global.com
contact@friedman-global.com
+852 8120 5478
Two Exchange Square
8 Connaught Place,
Central Hong Kong

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Business

Manulife wants to be your “Pal” and set your mind at “Ease”

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New accident and critical illness plans catered to protect your lifestyle

Singapore – Manulife Singapore today announces the launch of two new plans – mPal and mEase – for customers looking for protection solutions against accidents and critical illnesses. Both plans are designed to give customers peace of mind and confidence in pursuing the lifestyle they prefer.

Ms Annette King, President and CEO of Manulife Singapore said: “Accident, disability and critical illness are three key coverages that a comprehensive protection portfolio should have. As part of Manulife’s commitment to creating forward-thinking products, we set up a business unit focusing on accident and health plans to provide our customers a wider selection of products and solutions. mPal and mEase are the first two of the m-family series of products to launch this year.”

A Personal Accident plan that is effective worldwide 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, mPal covers accidental death, dismemberment and 14 common diseases such as Dengue Fever and Food Poisoning. It also provides double payment for any injuries sustained while travelling by private or public transport, and double indemnity for injury sustained or covered disease diagnosed overseas where treatment is sought while abroad. In addition, mPal allows for reimbursements of medical treatments from registered Chinese physicians or chiropractors. The plan pays a weekly benefit when hospitalized due to accident or accidental disability as long as it is within 90 days from the date of accident.

KK Loo, Senior Vice President and Chief, Accident & Health Business said: “Accidents are unpredictable, but the importance of accident protection is often overlooked. mPal is like a friend who is always by your side when you are in need. Our customers and their families can count on us for peace of mind.”

Other coverage includes injuries sustained from acts of terrorism, exposure to hazardous sports such as scuba diving for leisure, or full-time National Service or Reservist duty while serving the nation in Singapore and overseas. Parents can enhance coverage for their children with the Child Benefit rider that has an Education Assurance Fund benefit to help future education and daily expenses should the parent die from an accident.

mEase is a term plan that provides comprehensive coverage against 30 critical illnesses, total & permanent disability (TPD) and loss of life. mEase gives customers the option to convert into a regular premium plan from a range of available products of similar cover without further evidence of health. mEase pays out the chosen Sum Insured upon TPD or diagnosis of 29 covered critical illnesses and 10% of the Sum Insured for angioplasty and other invasive treatments for coronary artery disease.

“When misfortune strikes, one’s lifestyle is usually compromised due to the loss of income and this is especially important for sole breadwinners. mEase protects customers’ lifestyles by providing a lump sum to cover loss of income so that they are well equipped financially to focus on recovery,” Mr. Loo commented.

In addition, in the unfortunate event of death, a Compassionate Death Benefit of $10,000 will be payable and an additional sum will be paid on top of this if the mEase Life Rider is attached. Other optional riders are available to waive subsequent premiums upon the death, TPD or critical illness of a payor.

About Manulife (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Manulife (Singapore) Pte Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation.

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 22 countries and territories worldwide. For more than 120 years, clients worldwide have looked to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients around the world. We provide asset management services to institutional customers worldwide as well as reinsurance solutions, specializing in life and property and casualty retrocession. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were $475 billion (US$478 billion) as at December 31, 2010. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

Media Contact:

Cindy Cheng

Manulife Singapore Pte Ltd

68338162

cindy_cheng_ac@manulife.com

Business

Manulife Singapore Announces Senior Management Appointments

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Singapore – Manulife (Singapore) Pte Ltd. has recently expanded its Senior Management team as part of its growth strategy in Singapore. It has made key appointments in the areas of Legal and Compliance as well in two newly created business units – Strategic Initiatives Office and Accident & Health.

Ms Annette King, President and CEO of Manulife Singapore said: “We are focused on growing our business here and it is essential for us to have these talented and experienced leaders on board to support our objectives. Reporting to me, these three senior executives – Clive Anderson, Chris Jackson and KK Loo – will in their respective areas of responsibility, ensure that we comply with regulatory requirements, enhance the efficiency of our business and provide a wider selection of products for our customers.”

Clive Anderson is Senior Vice-President and Chief Counsel. He provides leadership and oversight to the legal and compliance areas in support of Manulife Singapore’s life insurance and asset management businesses. In addition, he also holds a regional appointment providing oversight and support to Manulife’s legal and compliance teams in Malaysia and Indonesia. Prior to Manulife Singapore, Clive was the Vice-President and Chief Counsel at Manulife Financial, Canada, responsible for all legal and compliance issues for Manulife’s sizable Canadian wealth management business.

Chris Jackson is Senior Vice President and Chief of the Strategic Initiatives Office. He leads the planning and implementation of the large strategic initiatives for Manulife Singapore. Chris has been in the financial services sector for over 35 years with a particular focus on insurance. Over the past 15 years, he has led project management and change programs in major organisations in a number of industries, mostly in financial services. He understands the financial services industry and the Singapore market and is highly experienced in project management and building execution capability within organisations.

KK Loo is Senior Vice President and Chief of the Accident and Health Business (A&H). KK’s role includes developing the A&H strategy and promoting existing A&H products whilst creating new A&H products and services. He has more than 20 years of international experience in developing life, accident and health insurance, employee benefits, and building start-up businesses such as bancassurance and mortgage into market leaders.

About Manulife (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Manulife (Singapore) Pte Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation.

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 22 countries and territories worldwide. For more than 120 years, clients worldwide have looked to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients around the world. We provide asset management services to institutional customers worldwide as well as reinsurance solutions, specializing in life and property and casualty retrocession. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were $475 billion (US$478 billion) as at December 31, 2010. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

Media Contact:

Cindy Cheng

Manulife Singapore Pte Ltd

68338162

cindy_cheng_ac@manulife.com

Valerie Ho

Manulife Singapore Pte Ltd

68338120

Valerie_ho@manulife.com