Financial institutions today, Jan. 2010

Inside this issue:

Department

2

Management /

Supervision Staff

Changes

Department of

2

Banking and Finance

Employee Furloughs

Mortgage Licensing

3

and Supervision

Section Receives

Governor's Customer Service

Commendation

Customer Service

3

Stars for the Month

of January

State Regulators

4

Announce Launch of

"NMLS Consumer

Access"

Action on

4

Applications for the

Month of January

News and topics of interest to financial institutions regulated by the Department of Banking and Finance

Monthly Bulletin #1

January 2010

FFIEC Issues Interest Rate Risk Advisory
On January 7, 2010, the member agencies of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) released an advisory reminding financial institutions of supervisory expectations for sound practices to manage interest rate risk.
The FFIEC advisory reiterates the importance of effective corporate governance, policies and procedures, risk measuring and monitoring systems, stress testing, and internal controls related to the interest rate risk exposures of depository institutions. It also clarifies elements of existing guidance and describes various techniques used by effective risk managers.
The financial regulators expect each depository institution to manage its interest rate risk exposures using processes and systems commensurate with its complexity, business model, risk profile, and scope of operations.
Read the FFIEC advisory at: http://www.ffiec.gov/pdf/pr010710.pdf

DBF Outreach AND UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Commissioner Braswell will be speaking at the Terry College of Business' Southeastern Bank Management
and Directors Conference at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth on February 11th.
Senior Deputy Commissioner George Reynolds will be speaking to the Georgia Appraisers Coalition on
February 18th at 11:00am. Mr. Reynolds will also be attending the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates Reception on February 2nd at 6:00pm and the CBA Tax and Regulatory Meeting on February 4th at 9:00am.
Deputy Commissioner for Non-Depository Financial Institutions Rod Carnes will be speaking to the National
Mortgage Learning Foundation in Atlanta on February 8th.
Deputy Commissioner for Supervision Kevin Hagler will be participating on a regulatory panel at the State
Bar of Georgia Annual Banking Law Program being held on February 19th in the State Bar headquarters building.
Director for Mortgage Sandra Sheley will be speaking at GREFPAC's (Georgia Real Estate Fraud Prevention
and Awareness Coalition) Annual Mortgage Fraud Conference on February 12th.
Deputy Commissioner for Legal and Consumer Affairs Judy Newberry and NDFI Attorney Felicia Faison-
Holmes will be speaking about the foreclosure crisis at the FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) Day at the Capitol on February 15th.

"Safeguarding Georgia's Financial Services"

Page 2

Department Management / Supervision Staff Changes

On May 1, 2010, Senior Deputy Commissioner George Reynolds will be retiring after a long and distinguished career with the Department. In preparation for George's upcoming retirement, management has evaluated the Department's structure, looking for opportunities to improve efficiencies and make the best use of our resources in these challenging economic times. To begin the transition process, two changes will take place in the coming months, but will have an effective date of May 1, 2010.

First, the Department's Large Institutions District (District 8) will consolidate into and with our Central District (District 3, College Park). It is envisioned that the duties of the staff currently in District 8 will remain very much as they are now; however, when available, they will augment the staffing of District 3 community bank examinations. Likewise, it is envisioned that this change will also provide opportunities from time to time for current District 3 staff to augment our larger institution / continuous examination program and to gain valuable exposure to the larger institutions.

Steve Pleger

Secondly, District 8 Director Steve Pleger has been selected to become the Senior Deputy Commissioner upon George's retirement. Steve began his career with the Department in 1993; he left in 1996 and worked several years in financial institutions in Athens and Social Circle. He returned to the Department in April 2000 as a Credit Specialist in the Large Institution Supervision District. In July 2002, Steve was promoted to the position of Supervisory Examiner in the District. Steve was promoted to his current position as District Director in September 2003. Steve is a graduate of the University of Georgia (BBA degree) and he holds a Master of Science in Finance degree from Georgia State University. He also served in Operation Desert Storm as part of the U.S. Marine Corps. Steve has done an excellent job as the Director of District 8 and has the qualities and qualifications that will serve the Department well in this new position.

Department of Banking and Finance Employee Furloughs
As directed by the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, all state employees are required to take three furlough days before June 30, 2010. The Department has developed a plan to furlough all employees and will close for business on Friday, April 2nd, Monday, May 10th, and Tuesday, June 1st.
These dates were selected in an effort to minimize the impact in any one pay period, minimize the effect on exam schedules, and maximize cost savings. Even in these difficult fiscal times, the Department remains committed to fulfilling its mission in the same manner as always - with excellence and professionalism.

Holiday Name Furlough Day (DBF offices closed) Confederate Memorial Day Furlough Day (DBF offices closed) Memorial Day Furlough Day (DBF offices closed)

Date Observed April 2nd Friday April 26th Monday May 10th Monday May 31st Monday June 1st Tuesday

Page 3
Mortgage Licensing and Supervision Section Receives Governor's Customer Service Commendation
On January 21, 2010, the Department's Mortgage Licensing and Supervision Section was honored, along with 28 individuals and teams from 14 state agencies and institutions, with a Governor's Commendation for excellence in customer service.
The Governor's Office of Customer Service accepts nominations throughout the year for individuals and teams that provide "above-and-beyond" customer service. Winners are recognized at quarterly Governor's Commendation events.
"I'm extremely pleased with the way the Mortgage Division lives and breathes our agency's customer service principles every day." stated Commissioner Braswell. "I especially like the fact that they seek out innovative ways to exceed a customer's expectations, such as giving a personal telephone call to a new licensee to ask how things are going and to warn them of potential pitfalls. That extra effort is what it's all about!"
CUSTOMER SERVICE STARS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY
It is the Department's goal to provide excellent customer service by meeting and exceeding the expectations of our customers. Along those lines, we would like to recognize the following individuals for going above and beyond in serving our customers: Applications Analyst Irene Harper - The Department received a letter from a customer stating: "This letter serves as a compliment for the level of service provided by Irene in the Mortgage Licensing Department. Earlier this week, I spoke to Irene multiple times concerning the new license requirements for loan officers. She thoroughly answered each question in detail. Inquiries to DBF concerning the new licensing requirements are probably numerous to say the least. However, Irene patiently answered my questions. She is to be commended." Mortgage Licensing Section - The Department received an e-mail from a customer stating: "I just completed the email survey and realized that I have never thanked you personally. I'd like to let you know how much our Licensing Department appreciates your outstanding customer service, timely communication, and consistency in responding to our many requests and inquiries. We know we can always depend on a response from DBF. Thanks so much!"
CONGRATULATIONS AND GREAT JOB TO THIS MONTH'S CUSTOMER SERVICE STARS!!

Page 4
State Regulators Announce Launch of "NMLS Consumer Access"
On January 25, 2010, the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS)--a mortgage licensing system operated by state financial regulators, including Georgia--is launching "NMLS Consumer Access." NMLS Consumer Access is a fully searchable website that allows the public to view information concerning state-licensed mortgage companies, branches, and individuals currently licensed through NMLS.
The goal of NMLS Consumer Access is to provide homebuyers and the general public with greater information regarding state licensed companies and professionals in the mortgage industry. NMLS Consumer Access will benefit consumers by providing consumers a single location to access standardized information regarding their mortgage provider, regardless of the state in which they operate.
"The launch of NMLS Consumer Access shows, once again, the commitment of state financial supervisors to protect consumers," said Georgia Department of Banking and Finance Commissioner Rob Braswell. "States have long been regarded as leaders in the consumer protection arena. NMLS Consumer Access provides an innovative method for consumers to research prospective mortgage companies or providers."
State regulators, through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, launched NMLS in January 2008. To date, 45 states and territories--including Georgia--license mortgage companies, branches and individuals through the system. All 54 states and territories are expected to be on NMLS by the end of 2010.
"During development of NMLS," Commissioner Braswell continued, "one of the goals put forth by state regulators was to provide a central source of information that promotes transparency throughout the states. I see NMLS Consumer Access as a critical tool to protecting the consumers in Georgia."
In addition, Title V of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the SAFE Act, mandates that NMLS provide consumers with easily accessible information, offered at no charge, regarding the employment history of state licensed and federally registered mortgage loan originators.
"NMLS is successfully combining the objectives of state regulators with the mandates of the SAFE Act by launching NMLS Consumer Access," Commissioner Braswell concluded.
NMLS Consumer Access can be accessed here: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Action on Applications for the Month of January 2010:
The following is a summary of official action taken on applications by State Financial Institutions under Chapter 7-1 of the Code of Georgia and petitions for Certificate of Incorporation of Financial Institutions and other matters of interest during the month of January 2010.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Community & Southern Bank 201 Maple Street Carrollton, GA 30117 Carroll County

APPLICATIONS FOR NEW FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

CAPITALIZATION $110,000,000

APPROVAL 01-20-2010

BEGIN BUSINESS 01-29-2010

Page 5

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Community First Bank of Georgia Elberton, GA 30635 Elbert County
PREVIOUS NAME Columbus Bank and Trust Company

CAPITALIZATION $12,000,000

APPROVAL 05-18-2008

BEGIN BUSINESS Withdrawn 01-21-2010

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CONVERSIONS

CONVERTED TO CB&T, N.A. Columbus Muscogee County

APPROVAL Pending

EFFECTIVE

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION SunTrust Bank Atlanta
SunTrust Bank Atlanta
Glennville Bank Glennville
Bank of Madison Madison

APPLICATIONS TO ESTABLISH A BRANCH OFFICE

BRANCH OFFICE Waterford Branch Office 1175 University Drive Burlington, NC 27215 Alamance County

APPROVAL 09-08-2009

Historic Downtown College Park Branch Office 3857 Main Street College Park, GA 30337 Fulton County

12-11-2009

Reidsville Branch Office 246 South Main Street, Suite F Reidsville, GA 30453 Tattnall County

01-12-2010

Rutledge Branch Office 105 Newborn Road Rutledge, GA 30663 Morgan County

Pending

BEGIN BUSINESS 01-25-2010
01-19-2010

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION SunTrust Bank Atlanta
Fidelity Bank Norcross

APPLICATIONS TO CHANGE LOCATION

From: To:

CHANGE LOCATION OF York & Washington Branch Office 22 West Pennsylvania Avenue Towson MD Baltimore County 627 York Road Towson MD 21204 Baltimore County

APPROVAL 08-14-2009

From: To:

Winder Branch Office 33 W. Athens Street, Suite B and C Winder GA 30680 Barrow County 30 West May Street Winder GA 30680 Barrow County

Pending

EFFECTIVE 01-11-2010

PROPOSED NAME Atbank

APPLICATIONS FOR RESERVATION OF A NAME

COUNTY Fulton County

APPLICANT Mr. Edward J. Cooney President Atlanta Business Bank 5660 New Northside Drive NW, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30328

Page 6

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (SURVIVOR) Pinnacle Credit Union Atlanta, GA
CB&T, N.A. (fka Columbus Bank and Trust Company) Columbus, GA
CB&T, N.A. (fka Columbus Bank and Trust Company) Columbus, GA

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION MERGERS
MERGED INSTITUTION Oconee Credit Union Milledgeville, GA
CB&T Bank of Middle Georgia Warner Robins, GA
Commercial Bank & Trust Company of Troup County LaGrange, GA

APPROVAL 11-12-2009

EFFECTIVE 01-06-2010

Pending

Pending

APPLICATIONS TO BECOME A BANK HOLDING COMPANY AND/OR TO ACQUIRE VOTING STOCK OF A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

FORMATIONS ONLY

BANK HOLDING COMPANY State Bank Financial Corporation Atlanta, GA

TO ACQUIRE State Bank and Trust Company Pinehurst, GA

APPROVAL Pending

Community & Southern Holdings, Inc. Carrollton, GA

Community & Southern Bank (IO) Atlanta, GA

01-28-2010

Page 7

CHECK CASHER LICENSES ISSUED

CITY Griffin Jonesboro Bainbridge Tifton Donalsonville Duluth Atlanta Kennesaw Perry Augusta Calhoun Lithonia Atlanta Fort Valley Dublin Tucker Helena Gainesville Millen Decatur Waycross

APPLICANT NAME A&S Sons, Inc. Auto Pro Title Pawn, Inc. Dewey A. Brock, Jr. * El Sabino Grocery & Meat Market, LLC Fast Stop of Donalsonville, Inc. * Garcia Accounting and Tax Service, LLC Ginkgo Investment, LLC * Inlaw Enterprises, Inc. * Ishan, Inc. * Jai Ho, LLC K and D Patel, Inc. Karishma Sayuari, Inc. * Michael Ks Kim * Monica's Neighbors Food Mart, Inc. Nitroheadz, Inc. Petrotech Investment, LLC * R Krishna Corporation * Servi-Tax Ltd. Shah Holdings, LLC Shields D&Y, Inc. * Shree Yogikrupa, Inc.

TRADE NAME Easy Check Cashing
DLK's East Stop El Sabino Grocery & Meat Market SpeedTrack Daniel Ahart Tax Service Ginkgo Money Tree Quick Stop Squire Package Raceway #868 ABC Liquor and Tobacco Outlet Rock Chapel Stop Southern Food Store Neighbors Food Mart Nitro Automotive Shell Food Mart American Jack Alfonso's Income Tax Service Cash Now Best Time Yogi's Stop & Save

* =Registered (O.C.G.A. 7-1-700 et al)

MONEY TRANSMITTER Taberna Money Transfer, LLC Lawrenceville, GA

MONEY TRANSMITTER LICENSES ISSUED
APPROVAL DATE 01-05-2010

GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND FINANCE
2990 Brandywine Road Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30341-5565
Phone: (770) 986-1633 Fax: (770) 986-1654 or 1655 Email: dbfpress@dbf.state.ga.us

Page 8
The Department is the state agency that regulates and examines banks, credit unions, and trust companies chartered by the State of Georgia. The Department also has regulatory and/or licensing authority over mortgage brokers/processors, lenders and loan originators, money service businesses, international banking organizations, and bank holding companies conducting business in Georgia.
Our Mission is to promote safe, sound, competitive financial services in Georgia through innovative, responsive regulation and supervision.
Our Vision is to be the best financial services industry regulator in the country Progressive. Proactive. Service-Oriented.

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