Central View: St. Louis Fed Stationing Examiners in Little Rock

During these challenging times, bankers want answers quickly. And sometimes, there is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting.

State member banks in Arkansas will now find this quick in-person access even easier with the opening of the St. Louis Fed satellite supervision office in Little Rock. The office, staffed with 10 examiners, mirrors an initiative undertaken four years ago, when the St. Louis Fed established a satellite office in Memphis. Bankers in Memphis told us that the local presence enhanced overall communication and supported an effective supervisory process.

Among the many benefits we have seen:

• greater accessibility and quicker response time;
• more efficient opportunities to conduct advisory visits on matters of special interest, such as the Bank Secrecy Act and risk management practices; and
• streamlining of collaboration with the state banking authorities, thereby promoting more consistency and higher quality in our examinations and other supervisory processes.

At the same time, we will continue our other communication efforts, including the monthly "Ask the Fed" program and periodic informational forums for bankers. In these challenging times, it is more important than ever that the St. Louis Fed provide you with the information and answers you need.

For further information on the supervisory duties of the St. Louis Fed, please see www.stlouisfed.org/banking/safety_soundness.cfm.