Forensic Accounting Topic of Mini-Session at May Central Jersey Meeting
Expert Bond Market Assessment Subject of Dinner Presentation
The Woodbridge Hilton at Metropark in Iselin NJ was the site of the Chapter’s recent Central Jersey Dinner Meeting held on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. This was the latest in a series of events specifically intended for the convenience of Chapter Members in the Central New Jersey area.

Frank Pina, CPA from the Mercadien Group presented Protecting Your Interest in Your Customer’s Assets at the Mini-Session. Frank is a Principal in the firm’s Forensic and Litigation Support practice. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner and certified in financial forensics. Frank discussed methods that community banks should consider to protect loan collateral, methods banks can utilize to recover from distressed loans and evaluating when to seek the services of a forensic accountant to provide professional assistance.

Frank Pina from the Mercadien Group gave excellent advice for protecting loan collateral during the mini-session.
Chapter President Maureen Kalena  updated Members regarding the central Jersey meetings and the Chapter's upcoming Installation Dinner.
Frank emphasized the need to take steps to protect loan collateral must be performed before and after the funds are committed. He noted the importance of identifying possible fraudulent borrowers as early as possible to protect the value of the loan collateral. He further stressed performing regular reviews of a borrower’s financial statements and performing site visits of the collateralized property at least annually. Frank indicated that lenders must be prepared to act quickly to recover from a loan that has become distressed. Banks must take steps to prevent collateral deterioration and be open to offers made by the borrower to repay the loan.

Frank recommended obtaining the services of a forensic accountant to assist the bank in identifying a borrower that may have intentionally or fraudulently conveyed assets or to assist the bank in tracing or recovering collateral. Frank concluded by answering a number of challenging questions from the Members in attendance.

Tom Scudese from UBS Financial Services presented Mortgage-Backed Securities – Support and Guidance for Community Banks following the full course dinner. Tom has extensive experience providing investment services to financial institutions with specific emphasis on fixed income securities for the mid-sized community bank.

Tom discussed the current mortgage-backed securities market with particular attention to the important factors for the financial manager to consider in light of the historically low interest rate environment we have recently experienced. He also provided guidance in assessing bond performance during a rising rate environment that we will inevitably experience.

Topics and Speakers

Mortgage Backed Securities - Support and Guidance for Community Banks

Asaad Faquir Photo
Tom Scudese
Financial Advisor
UBS Financial Services, Inc.

908 470-6230

tom.scudese@ubs.com
www.ubs.com


Protecting Your Interest
in Your Customer's Assets

Walter Schmidt Photo
Frank Pina, CPA
Principal
The Mercadien Group

609 689-2344

fpina@mercadien.com
www.mercadien.com

Slide Presentation

Tom Scudese from UBS Financial Services discusses factors investors should consider to evaluate bond investments in a rising rate environment.
Members enjoy dinner while listening to the presentation by Tom Scudese.