Commercial Real Estate (CRE) lending can be a powerful growth engine for banks—but only when managed strategically. Many banks limit their expansion due to outdated, one-size-fits-all concentration policies that don’t account for...
Why the Worst Loans Are Made in the Best Times: Lessons from Banking History
Author: Adam Mustafa, President
One of the most critical principles in banking is that the worst loans are often made in the best of times. This paradox underscores how economic conditions at the time of a loan's origination can...
Know Your Limits
Author: Adam Mustafa, President
When it comes to managing capital and risk, knowing your limits isn't just about staying within regulatory boundaries—it's about understanding your bank's strengths and leveraging them for...
Every Penny of Capital Counts
Author: Adam Mustafa, CEO
When it comes to capital, community banks often lean on conventional wisdom, which may work for now but could limit their growth and adaptability in the future. Many CEOs confidently assert that holding...
The Evolving Commercial Real Estate Landscape
Author: Adam Mustafa, CEO
At Invictus Group, we pride ourselves on leading discussions about critical issues in banking and finance. Our President, Adam Mustafa, recently contributed his expertise to an article in American Banker...
Preparing for the Next Major Financial Crisis: Beyond 2008 and 2023
Author: Adam Mustafa, CEO
In the field of banking risk management, there's an old saying about “fighting the last war.” This mindset reflects our industry’s tendency to focus on the last major crisis as a model for what we might...
Why CRE Concentrations May Not Be as Risky as They Seem
Author: Adam Mustafa, CEO
In today’s banking landscape, commercial real estate (CRE) concentrations are frequently regarded with caution, often drawing concern from regulators, shareholders, and industry observers alike. Yet,...
IMCR's- Prevention and Rehabilitation
Author: Adam Mustafa, CEO
Reports are emerging about regulators prescribing Individual Minimum Capital Requirements (IMCRs) to banks with Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and construction loan concentrations. IMCRs are often...
How to Effectively Communicate with Regulators
Author: Patti Casaleggio, Head of Operations
Navigating regulatory landscapes can be challenging, especially for financial institutions facing increased scrutiny and evolving standards. Effective communication with regulators is...