FDIC-Insured Financial Institutions Report Record Second Quarter Earnings

FDIC Community Banks

On September 2, the FDIC issued its latest Quarterly Banking Profile. The Profile indicates that community banks and savings institutions reported an aggregate net income of $43 billion in the second quarter of 2015, the highest quarterly income on record. The FDIC attributed this rise in second quarter income to steady loan growth at most institutions along with a sharp increase in community bank earnings as compared to the second quarter of 2014. In a statement, FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg provided a mixed assessment surrounding the second quarter results of FDIC-insured institutions. Specifically, Gruenberg noted, “the industry experienced a continuation of positive trends observed over recent quarters. Revenue and income growth was broad-based, asset quality improved, loan balances increased, there were fewer problem banks, and only one bank failed during the quarter. However, the banking industry continues to face challenges. Revenue growth has lagged behind asset growth, as exceptionally low interest rates put downward pressure on net interest margins.”