Bram Berkowitz

Banker & Tradesman Staff

Bram Berkowitz was a reporter covering finance and banking for Banker & Tradesman from 2017 to 2019.
Bram Berkowitz can be reached at editorial@thewarrengroup.com
CECL Delay Bill Has Support, But Is It Too Late?

CECL Delay Bill Has Support, But Is It Too Late?

Bills recently unveiled in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are threatening to yet again push the pause button on a key attempt to make sure the banking system is better prepared for the next recession. The decade-long initiative could impose costs on many banks by forcing to significant increases in their reserves.

DCU Settles Overdraft Fee Lawsuit

DCU Settles Overdraft Fee Lawsuit

Digital Federal Credit Union has settled a class action lawsuit that alleged the $8.5 billion asset credit union unjustly charged overdraft fees under a policy that was unclear.

New UniBank CEO Hired for Relationship Skills

New UniBank CEO Hired for Relationship Skills

While uncommon in the industry, Unibank’s decision to hire a CEO with a nontraditional background – in this case, a former high school headmaster – is not the first for a community bank, and other institutions have had notable successes with the practice.

Building More Demand for the South Shore

Building More Demand for the South Shore

Winthrop Sargent has had many jobs throughout his career. He has worked as the owner of a consumer products company, a senior consultant at an accounting firm and a contract CFO. The head of Winthrop Capital Advisors is also a member of the South Shore Economic Development Corp. and is trying to raise the area’s profile.

Boston, Worcester Bank on Financial Empowerment

Boston, Worcester Bank on Financial Empowerment

One third of Bostonians live outside the traditional financial system, cutting them off from crucial financial tools like credit cards and savings accounts and helping to lock them out of economic mobility. To combat this Boston and Worcester, where numbers are similar, are partnering with financial institutions to offer checking accounts that are easier to access.

Consolidation Dries Up Bank IPO Activity

Consolidation Dries Up Bank IPO Activity

Two community banks have gone fully public so far this year but going forward, mutual conversions in New England are likely to remain modest, according to experts, who say consolidation is the main culprit behind the new trend.

First Woman in 45 Years Takes Helm at DoB

First Woman in 45 Years Takes Helm at DoB

The first female commissioner of banks in nearly 45 years, and only the third ever since 1906, Mary Gallagher has an appreciation for regulation that provides a level playing field in an industry that demands consumer confidence and trust.