Asset Liability Management
Common Questions
Questions:
Answers:
What makes your service different from all the others out there?
Good question. Four things:
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PRECISION MODELING - No other outsourced ALM solution has the capability to utilize your Investment, Loan, and Deposit cash flow and rate detail, and utilize it in a manner that DOES NOT require you to fill out any data forms. Our usage of data, combined with our modeling techniques puts your ALM information on a level of credibility otherwise attainable only with large G/L based internal models that cost $tens of thousands of dollars.
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VERY USER FRIENDLY REPORTS - The GKST ALM reports set a new standard for clarity and ease-of-use. They are unique in their style and in their ability to communicate complex information quickly and in a down-to-Earth way.
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REGULAR ADVISING - Ours is the only outsourced ALM solution that makes regular advising and consultation sessions a part of each quarter.
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PRICE - Our pricing is below most other outsourced solutions or "vendors" that don't offer a fraction of the product quality and service that we do.
GKST's ALM Service is not only unique, it's better than any other outsourced ALM solution in the industry. The combination of precision, ease-of-use, service, and value make GKST's ALM Service a "no-brainer" for any banker who wants to get serious about Asset/Liability Management.
How many banks use your service?
BANK REPORTING SCIENCES, our partner that prepares and supports ALM information, has relationships with roughly 300 community banks in 26 states throughout the Nation.
How do the regulators regard your information?
Although the regulatory bodies will never openly endorse an ALM reporting and advising service, we receive many favorable comments about our services from the OCC, the FDIC, and state agencies that often end up in the examiners' comments to the bank.
Examiners' typically comment favorably on four areas:
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The level of precision we deliver to small and mid-sized community banks that is usually accessible only to large institutions.
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Our report presentations make it very easy for Directors to grasp the information.
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The emphasis we place on managing risks through policies.
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Our low fees make the information accessible and cost-effective for small and mid-sized commnunity banks.
What is the bank asset size range you typically work with?
The bank asset size range we work with is fairly broad. Our smallest client is $18 million in total assets. Our largest client is $16 billion in total assets. The majority of our clients lie on the $100 million to $300 million range.
Do I have to be a GKST PAGBAS customer to utilize your ALM services?
No. Our services are open to any bank that does business with GKST.
What if my portfolio accounting is handled by a firm other than GKST? How will you be able to utilize my investment detail?
No problem. If your portfolio accounting is handled by Vining Sparks or any other broker/dealer you simply request an electronic listing of your bond inventory. We successfully handle data downloads from Vining Sparks, First Tennessee, Morgan Keegan and many others.
For our basic file specification for an investment download, refer to the Information We Need section on the Getting Started page.
When I send you my information, how long does it take to get my results back?
Typically, our turnaround time is 3 to 5 business days.
Can I get my completed information emailed to me?
Yes. When we have completed your information, a PDF file of your results is automatically emailed to you.
Can I have "What-If" scenarios performed?
Yes. Each quarter you can request up to 5 "what-if" scenarios at no extra fee. Additional scenarios are billed at $125 per scenario.
How much does your service cost?
Our annual service fees are based primarily on the size of your institution. To find your annual service fee, refer to the "Record Breaking Price" section of the Service Overview page.
Will I receive any consultation and education with your services?
You bet. Regular advising is at the heart of the GKST ALM Service and is one of the main qualities that differenciates us from the field. Each quarter, a member of BANK REPORTING SCIENCES will spend 1/2 hour on the phone with you discussing your ALM position, reviewing ALM concepts, and going over tactics that make sense for your bank.