Mike Bickel and Bruce Bradford will be hosting a discussion on the safety and soundness of banks and how companies can get more comfortable about their deposits. 

1.5 CPE credits in FINANCE will be provided! 

Topics covered will include: 

1. Adequate Capitalization: One of the key factors in ensuring the safety and soundness of banks is adequate capitalization. Banks must maintain sufficient capital to absorb losses and continue operating even during periods of financial stress. 

2. Effective Risk Management: Another crucial element for bank safety and soundness is effective risk management. Banks must identify and assess various types of risks, such as credit, market, liquidity, and operational risks, and implement appropriate controls and safeguards to mitigate these risks. 

3. Robust Internal Controls: Banks must have robust internal controls, including policies and procedures, to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. Effective internal controls also help prevent fraud, money laundering, and other illegal activities. 

4. Independent Oversight: Banks should have independent oversight and governance structures in place to ensure that management's decisions are aligned with the interests of the bank and its stakeholders. This oversight includes regular audits, internal and external examinations, and other monitoring activities. 

5. Regulatory Supervision: Regulatory supervision plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and soundness of banks. Regulators monitor banks' capital adequacy, risk management, internal controls, and governance practices to ensure they meet regulatory standards. Regulators also enforce laws and regulations to maintain the stability of the financial system and protect consumers.

Mike Bickel

Bank of Albuquerque

Leadership 

• Entrepreneurial leader and creative problem solver, with experience in creating new products and sales strategies. 

• Experienced in resolving challenges within teams through open communication, and understanding to create trust and collaboration. • Challenged teams to go beyond their basic job requirement, assisting others and improving systems and procedures. 

• Facilitated annual sales manager strategic retreats and training. 

• Completed multiple leadership training. 

Sales and Sales Management 

• 25 years’ experience as a direct sales consultant, 10 years managing teams of consultants and 5 years managing other sales consultant managers. 

• The majority of my teams met or exceeded their annual goals. 

• Participated in numerous sales training programs on topics ranging from sales strategies to effective prospecting. 

• Created curriculum and conducted multiple training for sales and support teams. 

• Experienced using SalesForce to manage and track sales teams. 

Strategic Planning 

• Developed and implemented market business plans, including competitive analysis. 

• Experience with thought leadership council (3 years) developing and reviewing strategic initiatives for 

Treasury services

• Led and/or served on teams reviewing new business ideas, markets, products, and sales and implementation strategies and processes. 

Business and Financial Analysis 

• Fifteen years of experience in financial and business analysis as a commercial banking officer and underwriter. 

Mike is currently SVP, Corporate Banking Relationship Manager at Bank of Albuquerque.

Bruce Bradford

New Mexico Bank & Trust

Manufacturing, distribution, professional services, contractors and not-for-profit entities are amongst the hundreds of banking clients Bruce has served over the years. He enjoys building new relationships with clients, prospects and centers of influence in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and beyond! His community service focus is aimed at education, the arts, and economic development. He is currently serving on the boards of Voz Collegiate Preparatory Charter School (founding board chair), Friends of P-Tech (Texas charter school board), The Chorus Council of the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (president), Construction Financial Management Association (past secretary) and as Governing Council chair at St. John's United Methodist Church - Santa Fe. Bruce is currently SVP of C&I Banking at New Mexico Bank & Trust.