Shannon Pestun of ATB Financial talks about creating an innovative, gender-intelligent banking model
Shannon Pestun is the director of women’s entrepreneurship and part of the Indigenous Relations Advisory Circle at ATB Financial. Tell me about women's entrepreneurship at ATB, what it does and its goal and mission? Pestun: At ATB, we have always known that entrepreneurs are crucial to the success of Alberta’s economy. And we know the…
If I were king of Alberta, I’d instruct ATB to use its credit reserves to start buying up Alberta debt on the bond markets
“It keeps getting worse, buddy,” proclaimed Chuck from across the garden fence. “Four years of socialist rule and we’re heading for debtor’s prison. Thank God the PCs are back in.” “They’re not Progressive Conservatives anymore,” I retorted, “they’re UCPs – United Conservatives – and exaggerating the debt is what conservative Conservatives do, it’s called austerity…
It is time for conventional banking institutions to enter the 21st century
I once chatted with a group of technology specialists and one of them asked an important question: “I know what intellectual property is, but what’s an intellectual asset?” It seemed to me that this is the most important concept in the modern world of tech, for (presently invisible) assets are the missing link in creating…
But Scotiabank report says total borrowing by individuals rose by 3.7% month over month
Canadian household credit growth decelerated in June as the slowing pace of mortgage expansion more than offset an acceleration in consumer credit, according to a new report by Scotiabank Economics. Home equity line of credit loans (HELOCs) remained flat in June, remaining on a weaker trajectory following strong increases through 2017 and 2018, it said.…
ATB Financial saw its operating revenue increase while net income decreased in its fiscal first quarter as the institution also contributed over $5 billion in new loans. “We know that times have been tough for many Albertans and through it all we have been here, providing expert advice and much needed capital," said Curtis Stange,…
Danilo Terra of ATB Financial’s equipment finance team talks about overcoming hurdles to success and the green shoots of reinvention and new industry that await Alberta
Danilo Terra is director of equipment finance at ATB Financial. Can you explain what your role is with ATB Financial? Terra: I believe Alberta business should have the equipment required for success and my job is to do my best to provide them with the capital they need. Here in the equipment financing group for…
The result has significantly dampened the Canadian economy. Banks, not legislated stress tests, know best who can pay for houses
An uproar is brewing over real estate in Canada, fuelled by a misguided attempt to protect willing homebuyers from themselves. Owners see prices declining, while prospective first-time owners find themselves locked out by mandated stress tests. The federal regulator should ease stress-test requirements – if not eliminate them altogether – before they cause further harm…
Dale Sturges talks about the array of programs RBC offers to be recognized as a bank that stands for Indigenous prosperity
Dale Sturges is national managing director of the Indigenous Financial Services Group with RBC. Does RBC offer any unique programs or services to meet the needs of Alberta’s Indigenous community? Sturges: RBC offers a number of programs to support access to education and employment for Indigenous people, including the RBC Indigenous Talent Development Program, which…
Assets grew 3% to $16.4 billion; deposits increased by 3.6% to $13 billion
Edmonton-based Servus Credit Union reported net income (after dividends, patronage and taxes) of $22.7 million for the second quarter of its fiscal year, up 7.1 per cent from last year’s second quarter. The credit union’s assets grew three per cent to $16.4 billion; deposits increased by 3.6 per cent to $13 billion; loans expanded by 3.7…
Want to show Albertans at any stage of life why credit unions are a compelling banking alternative
Alberta credit unions have launched a campaign to raise awareness of why they are a “compelling” alternative to traditional banks. The inaugural #IRL (In Real Life) campaign was launched by Alberta Central, the central banking facility, service bureau and trade association for Alberta’s credit unions. It will focus on bringing awareness to Albertans about credit…