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Panel discussion on regulation of financial institutions

Oct. 8, 2009

KALAMAZOO--A panel of financial experts will discuss financial institutions and regulatory reform Friday, Oct. 16, at Western Michigan University's Fetzer Center.

Co-sponsored by the Chartered Financial Analyst West Michigan Society and the WMU Haworth College of Business, the event begins with a complimentary breakfast at 7:45 a.m., followed by the panel discussion.

Serving as panelists will be Dr. Ajay Samant, interim dean of the Haworth College of Business; Arthur Johnson, the 2009-10 American Bankers Association chair, chair and chief executive officer of United Bank of Michigan and chair, president and CEO of United Community Financial Corp. of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Harvey Koning, a partner with Varnum LLC, Attorneys-at-Law, where he is corporate counsel to publicly traded and privately held businesses.

Dr. Judy Swisher, chair of the WMU Department of Finance and Commercial Law, and Ted Fuger, former president of the CFA West Michigan Society, will serve as moderators.

Samant, who joined the WMU faculty in 1992 and also served as associate dean, will give an overview of the national and international financial environment, the national debt and fiscal implications. Samant has been a visiting professor at Massey University and the University of Waikato, both in New Zealand. His research focus is in the areas of financial markets and institutions and international finance. He is the author of numerous research papers and has presented his work at several national and international conferences on banking and finance.

Johnson will cover current issues in the banking system, credit trends and government stabilization programs. Johnson has previously served on the American Bankers Association Community Bankers Council and its Administrative Committee and was chairman of both the 2005-06 ABA Government Relations Council and the BankPac Committee in 2002-03 and 2003-04. Johnson has also served the Michigan Bankers Association in many capacities, including president in 1998-99. He was named Michigan Banker of the Year in 2000.

Koning will discuss increased interdependence within the financial system, the rise of systemic risk as well as recent and proposed regulatory changes. Koning works with financial institutions including community banks throughout Michigan. He also has extensive experience representing manufacturers and other businesses in mergers, sales and acquisitions. In addition, he provides assistance with private placements and equity-based compensation.

Registration

Those wishing to attend should contact Monique Haley at (269) 387-5069 or monique.haley@wmich.edu.

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Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/news