On October 15th, 2010 Oregon State regulators approved the $4.5 billion merger of First Technology Credit Union with Addison Avenue credit union, the biggest such merger in credit union history. In my opinion, this results from a complete breakdown in the integrity of the credit union regulatory process. For this reason I have written … Continue reading First Technology “Inside Job” Merger Approved Without Adequate Review
Tag: 2010
Note (Not Copyrighted) : This basic post was updated December 10, 2010 given the current debate in Congress over extending the Bush tax cuts and numerous inquires regarding my position in this debate. The purpose of this post is to highlight that although rates are important, perhaps more important are overall fairness issues associated with … Continue reading Blackstone Group LP – Private Equity or Public Theft? Undermining the Volcker Rule’s Intent. SEC 10K Fails to Disclose All Important “Fractions Rule” Involving Tax Exempt Public Pension Investors
Today Tom Abate of the SF chronicle did a fine story on the overall impact of private equity firms on employment. A first read would indicate they are a positive force yet a closer look will reveal the obvious, they are nothing more than the LBO firms of the 1980's repackaged, self evaluating their impact … Continue reading Comment to SF Chronicle Regarding Private Equity Employment Impact
Disclosure: As an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, I often recommend to clients that they maintain a strategic relationship with a credit union. Doing so can provide high quality loan services when necessary, in addition to a dramatic reduction on all fees, including VISA interest, etc. I am a true believer in Credit Unions, although they … Continue reading First Tech Credit Union CEO Sargent Pockets $2.3 million, Orchestrates Merger. How to evaluate your Credit Union
Today Governor Ted Kulongowski appointed Ted Wheeler to the post of State Treasurer. Wheeler is a superb choice, having demonstrated outstanding management skills while Chair of Multnomah County in addition to having investment industry experience prior to entering the public sector. Public pensions now comprise the largest pools of investment capital in the nation and … Continue reading Wheeler Excellent Choice for Oregon State Treasurer
At its February meeting Oregon PERS tentatively decided to invest $100 million in a partnership designed to purchase failed banks. While the Oregonian reporter Ted Sickinger wrote an excellent detailed article, the Bloomberg article, written by Dakin Campbell, looks as if it were written by the partnership and includes major inaccuracies, presenting a business media … Continue reading Business Media Risk (Oregon PERS to Invest in Shaky Banks) – The Oregonian Excels and Bloomberg Fails