Jacksonville Business Journal
Florida, Texas bankers sue over reporting rules
April 22, 2013

The Florida Bankers Association and the Texas Bankers Association filed suit against the U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, over rules that require banks to report interest paid on nonresident alien deposits.

Tampa Bay Business Journal
Florida, Texas bankers sue over reporting rules
April 19, 2013

In the suit, the bankers associations cited specific cases in which banks have been hurt since the rules were adopted.

Yahoo! News
Banker associations sue U.S. over account reporting rule
April 18, 2013

In a lawsuit filed in the federal court in Washington, D.C., the Florida Bankers Association and the Texas Bankers Association said the rules which went into effect on January 1 unfairly burdened banks while discouraging investments.

Bloomberg
Banker Groups Sue Treasury, IRS Over Account Reporting Rule
April 18, 2013

Two banker groups sued the U.S. challenging rules that require financial institutions to report information on accounts held by nonresident aliens that may be shared with 72 foreign governments.

Chicago Tribune
Banker associations sue U.S. over account reporting rule
April 18, 2013

The bankers associations said in the lawsuit that the government failed to take account of the rules’ economic impact, in violation of federal administrative procedures.

Reuters
Banker associations sue U.S. over account reporting rule
April 18, 2013

In a lawsuit filed in the federal court in Washington, D.C., the Florida Bankers Association and the Texas Bankers Association said the rules which went into effect on January 1 unfairly burdened banks while discouraging investments.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Bankers buoyed by local outlook
Feb. 24, 2013

“The Florida Bankers Association was among those who lobbied hard to extend the Transaction Account Guarantee program, or TAG, which provided unlimited FDIC coverage on non-interest accounts.”

Tampa Bay News Journal
Florida bankers teach, learn from African counterparts
Feb. 4, 2013

“Bankers in Africa and in Florida have more in common than you might expect. Regulatory and political issues are among the challenges shared by financial institution leaders in each area, said Alex Sanchez, president and CEO of the Florida Bankers Association.”

Tallahassee Democrat
Florida bankers providing expertise in East Africa
Jan. 22, 2013

“We are fortunate that they were able to come for a week and assist these folks in East Africa. The Florida Bankers Association is one of the strongest state banking associations in the country."

Miami Herald
Florida Bankers Association executives head to Africa for 10 days
Jan. 16, 2013

“Three executives from the Florida Bankers Association will be traveling to Tanzania later this month to participate in a special training program.”

TribLive
U.S. Ranks Among Top Financial Secrecy Havens
Nov. 10, 2013

“Sanchez contends it’s not the business of the IRS or American banking officials to help other countries catch criminals.”

Miami Today
“Florida Bankers Seek Liquidity Standards Relief”
Nov. 1, 2012

“The Florida Bankers Association is touting an agenda that begins and ends with protecting its members’ financial interests.  Alex Sanchez, the group’s president, said two issues at the forefront are seeking relief from the Basel III capital and liquidity standards set to take effect next year and getting large credit unions to pay corporate income takes like banks do to level competitive business conditions.”

South Florida Business Journal
Regulatory compliance biggest challenge for Florida community banks
Oct. 12, 2012

“Nearly all financial institutions expected to increase their spending on compliance over the next three years and 64 percent said it was very likely they would add staff in compliance.”

Tampa Bay Business Journal
Federal regulation tops Florida banks concerns
Oct. 12, 2012

“Ninety-five percent of the financial institutions that responded to a survey by the Florida Chamber Foundation and CFO Jeff Atwater said that “meeting regulatory compliance requirements” would be a significant or moderate challenge over the next three years.”

Tallahassee Democrat
“One-sided games can be a danger”
Sept. 22, 2012

 
“Football is a physical game. All of us have cheered big hits, especially when it is our team doing the hitting. But now I am having second thoughts about those hits.”

Tampa Bay Times
Florida Banks Getting Healthier and Healthier
June 15, 2012

“Alex Sanchez, president and CEO of the Florida Bankers Association, thinks the contention that banks weren't lending throughout the recession was overblown. Credit-worthy customers always had access to loans, he maintains.”

American Banker
Bank Trade Groups Seek 5-Year TAG Extension
June 5, 2012

“But others, like Florida Bankers Association President and Chief Executive Alex Sanchez, believe extending the program is a ‘no-brainer.’
‘The program keeps deposits secure and in the local economy, allowing small businesses to grow and the economy to recover,’ Sanchez said.”

Miami Herald
New IRS rule scares foreign depositors
May 25, 2012

“Florida banks are rightly alarmed over a new IRS reporting requirement because it involves losing job-creating capital that banks lend to small businesses in this state and throughout our country.” 
 

Gainesville Sun
Alex Sanchez: IRS proposal bad for Florida
April 19, 2012 

“Our nation and its financial institutions benefit greatly from the deposits of foreigners, which help finance jobs and generate economic growth benefiting local communities.”

American Banker
IRS Plan to Share Nonresident Account Data Is Dangerous
April 18, 2012

“It is precisely because of the confidentiality and security our country offers that so many nonresident aliens — especially those from countries with unstable governments or political environments where personal or financial security is a major concern — deposit their monies in U.S. financial institutions.”

Orlando Sentinel
Florida bankers object to disclosing identities of foreign depositors
April 19, 2011

"When they come into our banks, they don't [even] want to see other people from their own country," said Alex Sanchez, president of the Florida Bankers Association, based in Tallahassee. Losing these deposits would make it harder for banks to loan money, he said.

South Florida
FloridaSun-Sentinelbankers fight new IRS depositor reporting rule
April 19, 2011

The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday told banks they would have to report depositors’ names to their home governments effective Jan. 1., for those from about 80 countries.  Reporting the information could put customers at risk of kidnappings or government reprisals at home, prompting them to withdraw their money from the United States, bankers say

CNBC.com
From Boom and Bust and Back Again
March 30, 2012

“For four decades, Sanchez has watched the Miami real estate market go from boom and bust and back again. Now, after his hometown has survived a deep and long real estate collapse, Sanchez shows relief and perspective.”

Miami Herald
Veterans are committed to excellence
Jan. 18, 2012

“From the battlefields now they’ll go to the workplace. And, who better to hire than a veteran? If you want a leader, someone who knows how to get the job done and will earn and give respect, then hire one of our heroes.”

South Florida Sun-Sentinel
“Bill aims to keep banks from owing extra foreclosure fees”
Jan. 17, 2012

Florida Bankers Association spokesman Anthony DiMarco says banks may be hesitant to make loans for condos if they have to face escalating extra fees. "When people stop paying association fees, they stop paying mortgages. So we are losing money here too."

The Weekly Standard
Obama Burdens the Banks: The costliest regulation you’ve never heard of
Jan. 17, 2012

“On its face the reporting requirement for nonresident alien interest seems trivial, at least according to the administration. In fact, it would create a significant drag on the economy at a time when we can least afford it. Lending will shrink, bank industry profits will fall by billions, and a number of banks may fail as a result.”

Orlando Sentinel
Florida justice shuts down foreclosure mediation program
Dec. 19, 2011
 
"It was a well-intentioned program," said Anthony DiMarco, a lobbyist for the Florida Bankers Association. "It just didn't work out like we'd all hoped."

Palm Beach Post
Admitting failure, Florida Supreme Court ends foreclosure mediation program
Dec. 19, 2011

“Lenders blamed economic reality for the program's failure. Home prices have plummeted and jobless rates have soared since the real estate bubble burst, creating financial obstacles that were just too great for many to overcome, said Anthony DiMarco, executive vice president of government affairs at the Florida Bankers Association.”

CNBC.com
Florida Bankers Association: More Bank Failures Could Be the Price of IRS Tax Rule
Dec. 21, 2011

Bankers argue that the United States financial system has benefited greatly from deposits of foreigners over the last 90 years. Advocates supporting the tax-free nature of these accounts say these deposits are lent by banks in their local communities to small businesses to help create jobs.

Tampa Bay News 10
State foreclosure mediation program ends due to low success rate
Dec. 20, 2011

Anthony DiMarco of the Florida Bankers Association says lenders were already working to resolve mortgage problems before taking homeowners to foreclosure. "It's very duplicative since we were trying to do it ahead of time and throughout the process. If someone came to us with a meaningful loan modification through the process, I think we would sit down and work with them and figure out a way to keep them in the home."

Bradenton Herald
Foreclosure mediation program falters
Dec. 21, 2011

“This was a well-intended program that just didn’t pan out,” said Anthony DiMarco, executive vice president of government affairs for the Florida Bankers Association. “We don’t want to foreclose. That’s not good for anybody.”

Miami Today
Spain's BBVA Compass bank plans Miami hub
Sept. 22, 2011

With its strong ties to Latin America, South Florida is "a natural place" for Spanish banks such as BBVA, and it's a positive note for the economy, said Florida Bankers Association President Alex Sanchez. "It says a lot about Florida and Miami that banks want to come to our state that are not here now."

South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Floridians facing foreclosure could lose their homes faster under plan making rounds in Tallahassee
Sept. 22, 2011

Anthony DiMarco, a lobbyist for the Florida Bankers Association, which represents more than 300 banks and financial institutions, said the association has not finalized its legislative agenda for 2012, but that it has generally supported the change in the past because it believes the faster homes can be repossessed by lenders, the better off the economy will be.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Scott open to taking courts out of foreclosure process
September 22, 2011

Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, is preparing a measure — the “Florida Fair Foreclosure Act” — to revamp the foreclosure process, although she has yet to file the bill.  She filed similar legislation in the 2011 session that created an alternative foreclosure process for properties such as those that were abandoned or had mortgages substantially higher than their actual worth. The bill had a provision that allowed owners to “opt out” of the alternative process and contest the procedure in court.

St. Petersburg Times
Rick Scott, GOP look at taking courts out of Florida foreclosure process
Sept. 21, 2011

Much of the state's housing crisis is caused by a glut of homes awaiting foreclosure, said Anthony DiMarco, executive vice president of government relations for the association.
"If you can move more quickly, properties can get back on the market, and it will stimulate the economy," he said. "You won't have blight. Property taxes will get paid. Condo fees and homeowners association fees will be paid. People will buy paint and furniture."

Palm Beach Post
Foreclosure mediation program's low rate of success leaves its future in doubt
Sept. 21, 2011

Florida's landmark mandatory foreclosure mediation program is under scrutiny by the state courts administrator because of its limited success…The mediation program was ordered by the Florida Supreme Court in December 2009 to reduce foreclosure caseloads and aid borrowers. Outcomes for homeowners can include loan modifications, deeds in lieu of foreclosure and agreements to conduct a short sale.

Ft. Myers News-Press
Alex Sanchez: Keep foreigners' interest free
Sept. 11, 2011

“Our nation and its financial institutions benefit greatly from the deposits of foreigners, which help finance jobs and generate economic growth benefiting local communities. Economic and academic sources indicate that a substantial portion of this capital would be withdrawn and moved to non-U.S. jurisdictions, or to nonbank institutions that are not affected by the regulation, if REG-146097-09 is adopted.”

Tampa Bay Business Journal
HomeBanc, Florida Traditions plan aggressive growth in small business lending
Sept. 16, 2011

Alex Sanchez, president and chief executive officer of the Florida Bankers Association, said he was outraged that such a small fraction of the total allocated will be given out. Citing the job-creating potential of the funding, he said there should have been a stronger push from top federal officials to distribute the full amount in the original legislation. “The law says [community banks] can go to the party but they’re not being allowed in,” Sanchez said. “I want to know why.”

American Banker Magazine
Alex Sanchez oped, “A Wrong Time to Drive Foreign Deposits Away”
Sept. 1, 2011

“Our nation and its financial institutions benefit greatly from the deposits of foreigners, which help finance jobs and generate economic growth in local communities. Economic and academic sources indicate that a substantial portion of this capital would be withdrawn and moved to non-U.S. jurisdictions, or to non-bank institutions that are not affected by the regulation, if REG-146097-09 is adopted.”

Miami Today
Market turbulence forcing banks to look closer at every deal
Sept. 1, 2011

Sanchez said the No. 1 priority of banks is to help get customers through this recession.  But he does concede that banks are going to be increasingly careful about finding "qualified" borrowers in this economic climate, especially with banking regulators breathing down their necks.  "At the end of the day, banks are lenders, not investors," he said.

South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Florida insurer HomeWise loses financial health rating
Aug. 29, 2011

Rules vary from lender to lender, but most banks will give customers time to find a new insurer, said Anthony DiMarco, an executive vice president for the Florida Bankers Association.

Tampa Tribune
Trashing foreclosure homes may be on the rise
Aug. 26, 2011

"It's very sad," said Sanchez. "Banks don't want to foreclose; it's not exciting for us, but we have to protect our assets."

Tallahassee Democrat
House easily passes debt-ceiling accord
Aug. 1, 2011

Even with the debt ceiling raised, business leaders and others worry about the government's history of deficit spending and the long-term financial risk that poses.
"It's different now," said Alex Sanchez, president and CEO of the Florida Bankers Association. "I was in Washington almost all of last week and the conversation has changed from 'how do we spend money?' to 'how do we save money?' " That difference in the discussion is significant, he added.

Tallahassee Democrat
Alex Sanchez: An amendment could make politicians' promises come true
Aug. 1, 2011

There is only one answer to control Washington's spending binges: a balanced budget amendment. The rhetoric by both political parties that they will control spending is not believable anymore. Can we trust Washington to control spending?

Miami Herald
Florida bankers watching, not worrying
July 29, 2011

Alex Sanchez, president and chief executive of the Florida Bankers Association, spent the week in Washington, meeting with members of Congress to discuss a host of issues related to Florida banks, as well as the debt ceiling.

Miami Today
With $50 billion at stake in Florida, foreign accounts rule a threat
Aug. 10, 2011

Lobbying against the bill has been complicated by lack of information, said Alex Sanchez, president and chief executive officer of the Florida Bankers Association.   "Nobody in the administration wants to say anything. They have no comment. Democrats have called the White House, Republicans have called the White House," he said.

Miami Today
After massive banking job drops, some segments on the rise
Aug. 10, 2011

"Generally speaking, expansion is not in the cards for banks right now," Sanchez said, adding that most banks are focused on helping their clients get through the tough economic times.  Our main priority is helping customers get through this recession."

Miami Today
Looming IRS rule could drain billions in foreign deposits from Florida banks
June 2, 2011

"It's the wrong idea at the wrong time… especially when the president himself has called for the infusion of capital to help create jobs," Mr. Sanchez argued. "This is money deposited in banks that they lend to small businesses."

Tallahassee Democrat
Alex Sanchez: How much is $14 trillion? Too much
May 23, 2011

“Sometimes it seems that, the way our country is going, we'll soon be using the term a "quadrillion dollars" in Washington if we fail to address our nation's debt crisis now. We had better wake up as Americans and hold both political parties accountable for this debt.”

Sunshine State News
Florida Chamber Chief Writes Off Union Bank Threats 
April 22, 2011

The Florida Bankers Association, a trade group representing the state's banks, condemned the unions' call to withdraw.
“This action by the unions in withdrawing monies from FDIC-insured banks does not make sense,” FBA President and CEO Alex Sanchez said in a statement.

Forbes
Lawmakers Fight IRS Proposal For Banks To Report Interest Earned By Foreigners
April 24, 2011

There hasn’t been much good economic news in recent years, but one bright spot for the economy is that the United States is a haven for foreign investors and this has helped attract more than $10 trillion to American capital markets according to Commerce Department data…This is why it is so disappointing and frustrating that the Internal Revenue Service is creating grave risks for the American economy by pushing a regulation that would drive a significant slice of this foreign capital to other nations. More specifically, the IRS wants banks to report how much interest they pay foreign depositors so that this information can be forwarded to overseas tax authorities.

Houston Chronicle
Texas banks fret over proposed IRS rule
April 22, 2011 

" If people in Mexico and some South American nations find out they have a million dollars in an FDIC-insured account in the United States, "their families could be kidnapped," added Alex Sanchez, president of the Florida Bankers Association." 

Daytona Beach News-Journal
Area bankers crying foul over firm's rankings
April 9, 2011

For more than two decades, bank-rating firm BauerFinancial has used federal regulators' data to rate banks and credit unions each quarter. Sanchez said FDIC insurance makes the rankings unnecessary, and only the FDIC knows the true health of a bank.

Jacksonville Times-Union
Business Briefs
April 10, 2011

Florida’s entire congressional delegation is pushing President Barack Obama to permanently withdraw the Internal Revenue Service-proposed regulation that requires U.S. banks to report the amount of deposit interest paid to nonresident aliens.  The Florida Bankers Association, which is opposing the change, said the regulation ran counter to efforts by Congress over the years to draw these depositors to U.S. banks.

Fort Myers News-Press
Quality of banks is written in stars
Mar. 27, 2011

Florida Bankers Association president and CEO Alex Sanchez put out a release saying ratings systems such as Bauer's "create confusion for people whose money is safe and secure."
Sanchez said in the release that the ratings services aren't privy to the non-public information held by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., which regulates banks. "The only ratings list that matters is from the FDIC."

Palm Beach Post
Foreclosures' hidden risk: Debt that haunts for two decades
Mar. 28, 2011

Anthony DiMarco, spokesman for the Florida Bankers Association, said he doubts banks will expend much energy seeking money from unemployed former homeowners with few assets. That means strategic defaulters - people who can afford the mortgage but walk away from the home, usually because it is worth less than what they owe on it - would be prime targets.

Investors Business Daily
Florida Banks, Lawmakers Fear IRS-Led Capital Flight
Mar. 10, 2011

Florida lawmakers are protesting a proposed IRS rule that they claim will drive capital flight from U.S. banks — especially in the Sunshine State. The entire Florida House delegation — 19 Republicans and 6 Democrats — sent a letter to the White House last week opposing a plan to change the reporting requirements for foreigners' deposits in U.S. banks.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Community banks could get billions in stimulus
Mar. 7, 2011

Community bankers in Southwest Florida are weighing the merits of the results of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, a $30 billion pool that conceivably could be leveraged into $300 billion in loans.

Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla., cast a key vote for the bill that established the fund. The Florida Bankers Association lobbied to create the fund.

South Florida Business Journal
Fla. delegation to Obama: Lay off foreign depositors
Mar. 4, 2011

At the urging of the Florida Bankers Association, all 25 members of Florida’s congressional delegation sent a letter to President Barack Obama, telling him to stop the Internal Revenue Service’s proposed regulation to increase reporting on foreign depositors in U.S. bank accounts.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Homes bill is praised, panned
Mar. 5, 2011

Alex Sanchez, president and CEO of the Tallahassee-based Florida Bankers Association, said banks are eager to resolve their problems with borrowers without prompting.

"I'll tell you what banks would do" when faced with possibly having to foreclose, Sanchez said. "The first option they'd try is to work it out with the customer. Foreclosure is considered only after we've exhausted all options."

Reuters
Florida Banks Oppose Foreigner Accounts Proposal
Feb. 2, 2011

"We are convinced that adoption of the proposal will place U.S. banks at a competitive disadvantage relative to the banks of our trading partners and will result in significant withdrawals of foreign deposits from U.S. banks," said Alex Sanchez, president of the group. "That's money our banks use to lend to small businesses to create jobs."