Hispanic Banking Forum Encourages Banks to Reach Growing Hispanic Population in Chicago Region

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will co-sponsor a Hispanic Banking Forum in Chicago, Illinois on July 31.

"This conference provides bankers with an opportunity to learn more about the demographics and banking needs of the Hispanic population in Chicago," said Comptroller of the Currency John D. Hawke, Jr. "Banks and nonprofits will discuss successful partnerships for bringing Hispanic customers into the financial mainstream."

Keynote speakers include Roberto Herencia, President of Banco Popular North America; Bert Otto, OCC's Deputy Comptroller for the Central District; and Virginia Greene, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo. Other speakers include representatives from other Chicago-based banks, regulatory agencies, and community-based organizations.

"Hispanics are disproportionately represented among the ranks of the 10 million unbanked," said Anna Alvarez Boyd, Deputy Comptroller for Community Affairs. "By co-sponsoring this conference, the OCC hopes that banks will develop strategies for better marketing their products and services to the fast-growing Hispanic population in the Chicago region."

Information about the Hispanic Banking Forum can be accessed by selecting "Banker Education" on the OCC Internet home page, www.occ.treas.gov, and choosing "Conferences/Seminars."