factor in that success story. In fact, we at the RF bank believe that the success
of the customer will lead to our success through new referrals.
To ensure that the RF credit analyst has all the information needed to
recommend a course of action, the RF private banker helps the customer
understand the purpose of the application process and the usefulness of
properly completing forms and promptly supplying all needed documents
so that the RF credit analyst can carry out a fair and thorough credit analy-
sis. The RF private banker also acts as an advocate for the client. The RF
credit analyst, on the other hand, takes the role of the ‘‘hard-nosed’’ analyst
and makes sure that serious questions are asked and issues are raised during
client conferences. These conferences are attended by both the RF private
banker and the RF credit analyst, and are moderated by the chief credit offi-
cer and/or his/her deputy.
In the credit department, we train our associates to believe in the
following:
&We are not in the money ‘‘renting’’ business. When we evaluate a credit
application, we look at the customer’s total situation, including their
families, their businesses, and their goals and aspirations, and we pro-
vide true total financial advice. The RF bankers pride themselves on
investing their time in prudent analysis before they invest the bank’s
money.
&The best credit is that which is cultivated and developed by the RF pri-
vate banker.
&The walk-in credit applications are to be reviewed very thoroughly to
ensure that the RF bank is not one of the many banks tried by a walk-
in customer after he/she has been rejected by other banks.
&We do not accept brokered loans and/or deposits.
&We are not in business to look for participation loans in which to invest
the RF bank’s money. We are in business to cultivate, develop, analyze,
and originate credit transactions, with the purpose of participating in
the success, prosperity, and growth of the community.
&We give priority to the community. We gather our deposits from the
community, and it is our social, moral, ethical, and regulatory respon-
sibility to reinvest those deposits in the community.
&The best source of customers is our depository clients and their families
and friends.The RF credit analyst function is enhanced by employing some of the
better educated people in the field of financial analysis, some of whom have
MBA degrees; the department senior advisors and management hold busi-
ness school degrees from some of the better business schools in the United
Operating an RF Bank in the United States 327