ANY SCIENCE

Top 5 tips for Choosing the Correct PPC Partner

 



Finding the time and skill set to manage PPC ad campaigns internally can prove to be too much for some companies, which is why they turn to an external PPC agency to manage their online paid advertising. With paid search accounting for nearly 60 percent of UK online marketing spend, how can you ensure you find out which agency is right for your business?


Firstly, dig deep. Experience in your sector is important, however it is even more important that the agency can express a full understanding of the key search engines, aware of what buttons to press to get higher rankings and are also on top of any new developments that enter the online search world. Be weary of agencies that can talk the talk but can't provide you with any real substance as they will focus more on drawing customers in using their large sales teams rather than investing in the technical teams who will actually do the hands on work. Always insist on meeting the actual team you would be working with and get to understand how they do things. You will ultimately work with these people, so you should at least be able to get along!

High standards is another vital factor to choosing the right partner. Ensure that the agency you are considering can work to strict time schedules and are happy to work to a set service level agreement (SLA). Knowing when you will receive meaningful, actionable monthly reports and when to expect status emails or calls, allows you to plan your time more effectively and progress can clearly be marked week by week. Knowing that there is always someone there for you to talk to regarding ad copy changes and additions to keyword sets, creates a level of professionalism you can trust.

Find out how much each agency is proposing to charge you in the form of account management, set up fees and any other regular or irregular costs. If one agency is considerably more expensive than the other press them into explaining what you will receive in added value for that extra cost and ensure this is also in your SLA. You don't want to be surprised with any hidden fees that you were unaware of before signing the contract. So insist on getting all of your fees and expenses written down in full before agreeing to join the agency.


Before you sign on the dotted line, ensure that you own the intellectual property rights and can gain full access to your campaigns and historic information after your contract agreement is over. Hard as it may seem but the best thing to do is to assume you will terminate your contract at some point and imagine how you will want to move your campaign to another agency, as quickly, efficiently and professionally as possible. You don't want to be faced with having to start all over again as the previous agency has denied you access to the account. If you do have to face this terrible scenario it will dramatically impact upon how search engines treat you which can materialise in the form of your quality score for the campaigns, which can take time and increased expense to recover from.

Finally, when choosing a PPC partner be sure to research thoroughly. There are plenty of PPC agencies out there, all of whom claim to offer a top quality service that will guarantee results. Spend some time researching into these companies in order to separate out the companies that really can provide you with an experienced service that compliments the products and services you are looking to promote.


If for example you work in the retail and retail display sector, obtain referees from the agencies and quiz these existing clients about the quality of service they provide and review any case studies that are available.
It's prudent to invest the time in finding the right agency or partner for your business, like any couple would when considering a marriage. Because you don't want to face a messy divorce if it all goes wrong and end up fighting over custody of the campaign.


Adam Singleton writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

Take a Break in a Cottage

With Christmas being round the corner and purse strings tightening the last thing you want to hear is that another costly event is soon to take place. When considering getting away from it for a while you could always take the opportunity to stay at one of many cottages western Lake District and take in the natural beauty of the lakes. The Lake District proves to be a calming environment for many people, taking in the inexpensive natural pleasures of life. Reminding us that there is more to life than work. Others like to take a more active approach. Cottages Ravenglass are surrounded by many activities. Although the Lake District is known for its water sports, since the speed restrictions placed on the lake it has seen tourism drop dramatically, in fact Cumbria has not been a lucky place to be in the world of tourism, having also been hit hard by the foot and mouth incident tourism was virtually non existent around this time.


Foot and mouth and is a touchy subject but at least the gates to Cumbria have been re-opened for the rest of us to come and see what the fuss is about. With the economic climate drawing ever closer to doom and gloom, people are looking at their finances and seeing what is more of a bargain and so too with the foreign exchange not swinging in the UK's direction, others are still looking for the extra luxury break but closer to home. Cottages are becoming ever popular with the tourism crowd as this not only gives you accommodation to all standards but gives you that extra freedom of doing what you want, when you want so not timed as to when you need to eat or sleep, the choice is simply yours.


Going abroad is never an easy task, and way too much to organise and remember, such as passport, is it up to date or do you need to renew? Cash, have you got the right currency and correct amount or do you need more? Medical, are you going anywhere that requires you to have inoculations? Far too many things to consider, unlike a holiday away from home in a lovely home with lovely Lake surroundings, a place to get away without having to do too much preparation! Simply get clothes, no currency to consider, no passport not even medical as you are still home with the good old NHS around the corner. Cottages in Ravenglass and cottages in the Western lake District have fabulous surroundings to do virtually anything you would consider to be a holiday activity.

Official Homeschooling Expert Lisa Preston

Lisa Rae Preston spent 17 years teaching Kindergarten through fourth grades in both private and public school settings.


While teaching, Lisa researched the brain and accelerated learning techniques to help her children learn faster and easier. After writing a grant for brain-based learning for her school, Lisa implemented her newfound learning techniques in the classroom. She discovered special strategies that made learning much easier for her students and shares her research at www.homeschoolhelper.com. .

Her twenty-three years of personality research also helped her individualize learning for each child based on their specific personality type.

Lisa Rae confesses, "I saw that my homeschool friends were able to give their children a much higher quality education than I was - with a bachelors and masters in education. Frustrated by the emphasis on test scores and the decreasing acceptance for creativity in the classroom, I decided to quit teaching in the public schools and start encouraging families to homeschool."


Lisa Rae Preston lives in Kentucky and loves writing, researching, and especially playing school with her nieces. She has homeschooled for other families and authors materials for homeschoolers.

Tools and Resources

Nokia 5800 Tube - perfect business phone

A handset with perfect features that would help you out even if you are on a move is how one can define Nokia 5800 Tube. For all executives, Nokia 5800 Tube is a perfect pal which can help them with their daily chores. Some of the excellent business like features of the handset includes:


To start with, the handset is touch screen phone which comes with 3G technology and Symbian 9.4 operating system.The battery support which is required the most by any executive and the phone offers 8 hours of GSM talk time and a standby time of 460 hours. Memory wise, the handset offers 81 megabytes of internal memory and this can be further extended according to the usage up to 16 gigabytes; just perfect for the business usage.

The mobile phone works upon quad band GSM network for perfect network coverage. Also, 3G HSDPA network ensures excellent reception. Roaming facilities are also supported in the handset for all those who are mostly on a move.The GPS navigation feature enables the users to find directions easily, especially when they are on a move.The handset has a very classy and elite look and have dimensions measuring15.5mm by 51.7mm by 111mm. The handset weighs only 109 grams and offers a class and sophistication. To add on to its standards, there is a QWERTY keyboard and a 3.2 inches wide screen that offers high screen resolution and 16 million colour display.


Technologically one can get highly dependent on the handset which has EDGER technology for fast rate of data transfer, Bluetooth feature for connecting to other devices wirelessly and the USB port for chorded device connection.Additionally there is 3G HSDPA technology for fast internet connection which enables video calling and multi tasking features. The WLAN WiFi technology ensures that the user can connect to internet wirelessly and get benefitted anywhere.A 3.2 megapixel camera supports Nokia 5800 Tube with its commendable features. Being an XpressMusic phone, Nokia 5800 Tube offers amazing music features that one cant even think of in a mobile phone.


Samsung Omnia i8910 HD, Samsung M8910 Pixon, S5230 are the popular Mobile Phones and these phone contracts are available on Online Mobile Phone Shop UK.

customer relationships

Here are 5 tips to help you build better customer relationships that will keep them coming back again and again.


1. Where are you mentally? Before you meet with your client in person or by telephone, evaluate where you are physically and emotionally. Are you ready to approach this conversation with an open mind and the intention to look for how this interaction can benefit both of you? If not, take the time to check in with yourself. What you can do first that will put you in the right frame of mind to have an enjoyable, and productive, conversation? Maybe you can go for a walk, have lunch at your favorite bistro, or just take a quick break in the fresh air.

2. Speak their language. When talking to your clients, listen closely to the descriptive words or phrases they use. Use their words in your own conversation to promote clarity, understanding, and connection. Notice if this builds rapport between you.

3. Be there! This is not the time to think about what you are going to fix for dinner or what your kids may be doing in the next room. Watch your client's body language and reactions (if you are talking to them in person), or listen to and match their tone, volume, and rhythm, and sense their energy (if listening by telephone). Hear what they're saying and acknowledge them and their contributions throughout the conversation. Saying things like, 'I sure can identify with that, tell me more,' will show them you are with them.

4. See your business through your client's eyes. Just for a moment think about how you would feel if you were sitting in your customer's chair. Would you want to do business with you? If not maybe it's time to approach the situation and yourself differently. Ask yourself why you are interacting with the client as you are and what you can do about it. Did you stay up too late last night? Did you have a disagreement with your kids? Usually if you are having difficulty responding to your clients in a kind, understanding, and helpful manner, there is a personal care issue involved.

5. Ask your client what is most important to them. Do you know why your clients come back to you or send you referrals? If not, (or if they aren't coming back), it's time to find out why. If they aren't coming back or sending you referrals, and you don't want to provide the service that is most important to them, it may be time for you to either outsource the part of your business that matters most to your clients, or find another business that you enjoy more.


The bottom line is although the customer may not always be right; your business will suffer if they don't feel appreciated. If you let them know you not only appreciate them, but you're glad they are part of your business, they'll most likely keep coming back, and send referrals too! And that's how a good business becomes a great business!

Sandy Reed is the President and Founder of the National Association of Marketing Consultants (NAMC). NAMC provides support, education, and networking opportunities for marketing consultants, and provides one-stop shopping for clients who are looking for the right consultant for their business. Sandy is a professional business coach, writer, and co-owns her own successful family business. Sandy’s business building articles have been published in True Wealth and Simply Home Magazines. Take the NAMC Member Survey and save $20 on your annual membership! Visit http://www.namc-connect.com and click on the red survey link on the right sidebar.

10 Common Search Engine Optimization SEO Mistakes and How to Increase SEO Ranking

Search Engine Optimization SEO is a powerful tool for driving motivated prospects and customers to a website or blog. Those searching for specific keyword phrases are serious leads and buyers. They are not casual shoppers that make an impulse buy when they happen to see an ad. Most business owners who invest in professional SEO services or try to do it themselves, do not get a good return on their investment of time and money. This article will explore 10 common SEO marketing mistakes and SEO tips that can significantly improve your traffic and conversions.


Mistake Number 1: Search engine optimization that fails to optimize with keywords based on research.

Without careful keyword research on the keyword phrases your market is actually searching, the keywords you think are important may not produce targeted traffic or conversions. Many companies providing SEO services make promises about getting your site to rank in top positions in major search engines. They may ask you for a keyword list or provide you with a list of keywords. Often these keywords are not heavily searched or able to target your ideal customer.

Mistake Number 2: Search engine optimization using unrelated keywords on a single page.

Is your page stuffed with keywords that are not laser focused on a single purpose? Maybe you are trying to promote several services or products on a single page. It is far better to use keywords and keyword phrases that are related to one single objective. Fewer keywords that are closely related to one another will get you better results. Include a separate optimized page for each unique product and /or service that you offer and keep your keywords highly relevant to that page only.

Mistake Number 3: Search engine optimization using keywords that are too broad.

Keep in mind that the more specific your keywords are, the more likely you are to attract a serious lead or buyer. Not only is it extremely difficult to get your site to rank well for broad single keyword terms, these terms are generally not effective unless you are a large branded company. Let's say you offer residential roofing contractor services. It is unlikely that you will rank well for a broad SEO keyword like roofing. Even if you did, the term roofing is very vague. It includes such components as residential roofing, commercial roofing, new roof construction and roof repair. It is far easier and more effective to get SEO ranking for keywords that are specific. This is likely to land your visitor on a page of information that is exactly what he or she is looking for. For example, if you were to optimize a page about residential roofing repairs with a keyword phrase like ‘residential roofing repairs,' you are much more likely to find a serious prospect. Further optimization with a search term like ‘residential tile roof repair' will produce an even more serious and qualified buyer. You may also wish to add keywords for your geographic area to attract more of a local market when that is appropriate.

Mistake Number 4: Search engine optimization using keywords that are not relevant to your content.


When search marketing on the Internet was relatively new, many website owners would stuff their website with highly searched terms, regardless of their relevance to the content on their pages. Some would even camouflage the keywords so that they were not visible on the page. Using tactics like that today will get you banned from the search engines. And if your keywords are a stretch from what you are selling or promoting, you are likely to instantly lose that visitor who lands on your page. People do not stick around on web pages or blogs that don't immediately meet their needs. Remember that this is not a casual shopper but a motivated individual on a mission to find what they want.

Mistake Number 5: Search engine optimization that lacks sufficient or appropriate optimized content.

Web pages should contain 300 words of copy that is optimized with relevant keyword phrases and links when appropriate. This must be balanced with a good design and content in the form of images and/or multimedia that interrupts, engages, educates and presents your visitor with a low risk offer -- all of this while arousing an emotional response that get the visitor to take action. Optimized content is important but the reality is that people on the Internet do not like to read. Your internet user scans titles and looks at pictures, video and audio before they invest their time in the details. Sometimes web pages are filled with graphics with no text content at all. If you're getting plenty of traffic without conversions, it is more than likely that your content is the problem. Fortunately, this can be corrected by professional SEO services provided by an SEO expert.

Mistake Number 6: Search engine optimization with improper link structure in the web site navigation.

Many times links are not descriptive of the content and lack keywords that can help with SEO ranking. Flash navigation and links that are graphics or images offer no benefits at all for SEO ranking. Search engine spiders can only read text links. There are many ways that text links can be incorporated into a design and retain the look of a graphic. Text links that appear above all graphics on the page and incorporate relevant keywords are more likely to produce better results.

Mistake Number 7: Search engine optimization that fails to include appropriate links between pages on a web site.

One of many effective SEO techniques is to interlink between pages of a web site. Creating links on web site pages that contain keywords and link to other pages on that web site is an important SEO technique that should not be overlooked.

Mistake Number 8: Search engine optimization that excludes relevant meta tags on top level optimized pages.

One of the most important SEO techniques is to include meta tags on all optimized pages. Meta tags consist of a title tag, keyword tag and description tag that appear within your coded html page. A common mistake is to omit meta tags or include inappropriate tags both in content and length. The title tag, which displays in the blue bar on top of your browser, is the most important tag and is visible to anyone viewing the page. The keywords and description tags are only visible by viewing the source code. Some search engines rely heavily on these tags while other do not. Search results often display contents within the description tag or a segment of copy from the page that contains the searched keywords, along with the link to that particular landing page. A visitor may be motivated to click because of the description in the search results - that is why well written copy and meta tags is crucial for getting traffic. SEO services that are effective include keywords in sufficient quantities within the page copy and the identical keywords in the meta tags for each optimized page.

Mistake Number 9: Search engine optimization failure to submit a Google compliant sitemap to Google, Yahoo and MSN.


Reputable SEO services include the creation and submission of a Google compliant sitemap to major search engines. This sitemap resides within the root structure of your web site and interlinks your pages in a way that makes them easy to read by the search engines. This is not the same as a sitemap that displays for your visitor. Once created, the sitemap should be submitted to Google, Yahoo and MSN as a means of getting your site known to the search engines. Once your site is indexed by the major search engines, they will routinely spider your pages and automatically index content that you add at a later time.

Mistake Number 10: Search engine optimization that excludes hand submitting your site to large numerous search engine directories.

Hand submitting your site to search engine directories helps you to create powerful back links to your site. These SEO techniques are particularly important to new sites and sites that are lacking in authority or value with the search engines. Improving authority helps to improve SEO ranking for keywords. Submitting to directories is a great way to jump start traffic. Continually building back links however is important for retaining and improving your SEO ranking on a long term basis.

Avoiding these 10 common search engine optimization SEO mistakes will help you to get more quality traffic that produces conversions to loyal leads and customers. Relying on an SEO expert who regularly provides SEO marketing services is your best way to avoid these common mistakes, improve your SEO ranking and capture your market through improved conversions.


Are you losing your market share to your competition that is developing smart eBusiness solutions and marketing through blogs, social networks, RSS feeds, SEO and PPC? Since 1999, Ruth Kuttler of WebPuzzleMaster LLC has helped small businesses, professionals, authors, speakers, retailers and entrepreneurs to establish an effective Internet presence through strategies that can generate five and six-figure monthly incomes. Ruth Kuttler, "the WebPuzzleMaster," is a web design, web development and marketing specialist, the eBusiness expert on IdeaMarketers.com, a featured author on EzineArticles.com and the creator of "Winning Marketing Secrets" E-zine. WebPuzzleMaster offers a FREE “30 Minute Website Tune-Up” for analyzing your website and Internet marketing. During this valuable FREE telephone consultation, you are provided with a plan for boosting your conversions and traffic.

clickbank pirate

The Clickbank Pirate system has been released by two brilliant gurus, Soren Jordansen and Cindy Battye. Known as two of the smartest marketers that have been around awhile creating excellent products and information. It is becoming a rarety these days to find quality products that live up to what they say they do. You will no longer have to worry about this with Clickbank Pirate..
Any ways, I promise that you will hear about this turnkey affiliate system for clickbank if you have not yet. These two are not giving you the same old routine on some PDF report or explain what you have to and then leave you on your own in the dark. They have taken this to the next level. They have ingeniously created a complete system that will run on autopilot. If all you know about computers is how to turn one on and check your email, then this system will work for you. All you have to do is plug and play and follow their simple steps to clickbank success.
If you think that this is still not good enough, the two creators have taken the initive to the next level of easiness. they have already created all the content you will ever need to continue feeding this system.
So, not only are they taking you by the hand and guiding you, 99 percent of all the hard work is already done for you! Incredible , yes?
When I first started hearing about this clickbank pirate system, I was like .. "here we go again with another product that says it will do this and do that for you.." but as soon as i continued to read on and learn what this system really does, I almost fainted. This system is all you need. It is designed to run on autopilot once it is set up. Seriously, folks. This is the real deal!
Honestly, almost every single person who has a list and some sort of affiliate product is going to try and get you to join from their link and the real reason is they will hopefully make a sale off of you..
I realize that you are no idiot and of course know percicley what is going on. Yes, I as well, will make a commission if you want to purchase CB pirate system now.
For starters, I am not going to tell you that by getting this system you will wake up the next day and have a million dollars in your clickbank account. That would be a lie and that is not what i want you to think. What I can explain to you is that if you take the initiative and follow the basic, simple steps Soren and Cindy have organized and created for you, you will notice quickly that they have done more than 99 percent of the work for you, saving you incredible amounts of time and your wallet.  Here Information detail



Before you leave, I want to quickly summarize what the CB pirate is all about:
* Traffic driven to your pre-made blog or squeeze page * Prospects are captured via their email for you with the high converting tested video squeeze pages with your affiliate link automatically inserted. * A follow up and sell to your prospects over and over again with strategic marketing messages that are ready to go off as soon as a lead completes the signs up.

Bank

A bank is a financial institution licensed by a government. Its primary activities include borrowing and lending money. Many other financial activities were allowed over time. For example banks are important players in financial markets and offer financial services such as investment funds. In some countries such as Germany, banks have historically owned major stakes in industrial corporations while in other countries such as the United States banks are prohibited from owning non-financial companies. In Japan, banks are usually the nexus of a cross-share holding entity known as the zaibatsu. In France, bancassurance is prevalent, as most banks offer insurance services (and now real estate services) to their clients.

The level of government regulation of the banking industry varies widely, with countries such as Iceland, the United Kingdom and the United States having relatively light regulation of the banking sector, and countries such as China having relatively heavier regulation (including stricter regulations regarding the level of reserves).

Nordeq

Online Banking

Banking Service

ABOUT KNOWING ABOUT THE WORLD BANK

India remains the Bank’s largest single borrower. Our lending to the country touched an all time high of $3.7 billion in 2006-2007 - more than double the amount lent a year earlier. The bulk of new lending has gone to much-needed infrastructure and human development projects, reflecting the rapid growth of India’s economy. In June 2007, our assistance was spread over sixty seven projects across the country.

ABOUT THE WORLD BANK

Money in the Bank

With all the different options banks now offer, setting up a bank account can be a confusing thing. But if you want to protect your money it’s important to keep it in a bank so it won’t be stolen. Having a bank account also helps you save money and avoid carrying all your money around with you all the time. You can even make a little money by keeping your money in the bank! Here are some questions you might have about banking and some tips to make the process a little easier.What are the different kinds of bank accounts? A savings account is an account that allows you to store your money and gain interest on it. Interest means that the bank pays you to keep your money in their bank.

Another kind of savings account is a high-interest savings account. This kind of account gives you a higher rate of interest. However, it requires you to have a higher minimum balance, which means you have to have more money in your account at all times.
A checking account is different from a savings account because it doesn’t pay interest on your money. If you have a checking account, you can withdraw money from an ATM (see below for how to use an ATM). You can also write checks.
You can also link your savings and checking accounts. To do this, you open a checking account and a savings account and link them together. This way, you can keep most of your money in your savings account where it will gain interest. Then you can keep the money you need for everyday spending in your checking account so you have access to it. You can always transfer money from your savings to your checking account, but keep in mind that there is often a fee to do so.
You also have the option of setting up a joint account. This is what married couples usually do. It means that you both have equal access to the money in the account.
How do I know which kind of account I want?A savings account is the best option if you’re saving money for something long-term because of the interest the bank pays you for having this kind of account. The more money you have in your account, the more interest they pay you. This makes a savings account a good option if you’re planning to leave the money in the bank for a long time because the longer it stays there, the more money will accumulate.
If you want to use the money in the bank for day-to-day purchases, you should get a checking account. This is more convenient than a savings account because of the access it gives you to ATMs and checks. However, make sure that you’re careful about writing checks. Whenever you write one, make sure you have enough money in your account. If there isn’t, the check will bounce. This means that the bank will be notified and will charge you a large fee. You also will be penalized at the store where you wrote your bounced check.
A joint account is only a good idea if you’re in a stable marriage, because both people have access to all the money in the account. It’s a smart thing for a married couple to have in case there is an emergency or one person dies because then the other person doesn’t have to worry about access to money.
How do I open a Bank Account?First, decide whether you want to open a checking account or a savings account. Then pick a bank. If you’re opening a checking account, make sure that the bank you choose has ATM locations near you. If you’re opening a savings account, find out what interest rate the bank offers. No matter which type of account you’re opening, you should compare the fees each bank charges to transfer money between accounts, use ATMs, or just to keep your money in the bank. You should also make sure that your bank is FDIC insured. This means that any money you deposit is insured up to $100,000.
Once you have chosen a bank, go to their location near you and fill out the forms to open an account. You’ll also need to give them money to put in the account. Some banks require a minimum amount of money to do this. Make sure you have enough money before you go to the bank.
Don’t forget to bring identification with you. You’ll need proof that you’re over 18 years old. You’ll also need to prove your address and identity. Most banks will ask for a driver’s license or Social Security number, but if you don’t have those things usually a passport will do.
How does an ATM work?ATM stands for Automatic Teller Machine, because it does the same job as a bank teller. If you have a checking account, you can use an ATM instead of going into the bank and working with the teller. This can be a much quicker and more convenient way to do your banking.
Using an ATM is simple. All you need is your ATM card, which the bank will give you when you set up your account. They’ll also tell you to choose a 4-digit PIN (personal identification number). This should be a number that has some meaning to you so that you won’t forget it. It’s important that you remember your pin number because you need it to use the ATM. Never give your pin number to anyone! Your pin number is a direct link to the money in your bank account. Therefore whoever knows your pin can empty your bank account very easily. For security reasons, you never even write down your pin number unless you are planning on shredding the document.
Using an ATM you can check your balance, or how much money you have in your account. You can also use it to deposit or withdraw money. To deposit money, insert your card into the machine and type in your PIN when it asks you to. Then select “deposit” and insert your money into the machine. Some ATMs require you to put your money in a deposit envelope before inserting it into the machine. Others allow you to put the money directly into the machine.
To withdraw money, insert your card and type in your PIN when it asks you to. Then select “withdrawal” and select how much money you want to take out. When you’re finished, don’t forget to take your card, your receipt, and your cash.
*Lots of banks charge you a fee if you use another banks ATM to deposit or withdraw money. When you’re choosing a bank, make sure you pick one with ATM locations near you. This way, you don’t have to pay this fee.
WARNING: ATMs are common sites of robbery. Always be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM. Immediately put any withdrawn or deposited money in a secure place, and make sure no one is following you after you use the ATM. There is often a painted line that people must stand behind while others are using the ATM. However, you should still take great caution to conceal your pin number and the amount of money you are taking out.









For more tips on how to protect your money, check out this website: http://www.banksite.com/index1.html**This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers or visitors are encouraged to seek the counsel of an attorney to directly address their concerns.
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Federal Regulatory Agencies

A bank's primary federal regulator could be the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or the Office of Thrift Supervision. And within the Federal Reserve Board, there are 12 districts centered around 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, each of which carries out the Federal Reserve Board's bank regulatory responsibilities in its respective district. Credit Unions in the United States are subject to certain similar bank-like regulations and are supervised by the National Credit Union Administration.
State Regulatory Agencies
State-chartered banks are also subject to the regulation and supervision of the state regulatory agency of the state in which they were chartered. State regulation of state-chartered banks applies in addition to federal regulation. For example, a California state bank that is not a member of the Federal Reserve System would be regulated by both the California Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC. Likewise, a Nevada state bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System would be jointly regulated by the Nevada Division of Financial Institutions and the Federal Reserve.
Federal Laws and Regulations
This portion of the article focuses on federal banking laws and regulations. State banking laws also apply to state-chartered banks and certain nonbank affiliates of federally-chartered banks.
Bank Secrecy Act
The Bank Secrecy Act (or BSA) requires financial institutions to assist government agencies to detect and prevent money laundering. Specifically, the act requires financial institutions to keep records of cash purchases of negotiable instruments, file reports of cash transactions exceeding $10,000 (daily aggregate amount), and to report suspicious activity that might signify money laundering, tax evasion, or other criminal activities.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (or FCRA) regulates the collection, sharing, and use of customer credit information. The act allows consumers to obtain a copy of their credit report records from Credit bureaus that hold information on them, provides for consumers to dispute negative information held, and sets time limits after which negative information is suppressed. It requires that consumers be informed when negative information is added to their credit records, and when adverse action is taken based on a credit report.
Lending Limits
Lending limit regulations restrict the total amount of loans and credits that a bank may extend to a single borrower. This restriction is usually stated as a percentage of the bank's capital or assets. For example, a national bank generally must limit its total outstanding loans and credits to any single borrower to no more than 15% of the bank's total capital and surplus. [4] Some state banking regulations also contain similar lending limits applicable to state-chartered banks. [5] Both federal and state laws generally allow for a higher lending limit, up to 25% of capital and surplus for national banks, when the portion of the credit that exceed the initial lending limit is fully secured.

Financial reporting and disclosure requirements

Banks may be required to:
1. Prepare annual financial statements according to a financial reporting standard, have them audited, and to register or publish them
2. Prepare more frequent financial disclosures, e.g. Quarterly Disclosure Statements
3. Have directors of the bank attest to the accuracy of such financial disclosures
4. Prepare and have registered prospectuses detailing the terms of securities it issues (e.g. deposits), and the relevant facts that will enable investors to better assess the level and type of financial risks in investing in those securities.
Credit rating requirement
Banks may be required to obtain and maintain a current credit rating from an approved credit rating agency, and to disclose it to investors and prospective investors. Also, banks may be required to maintain a minimum credit rating.
Large exposures restrictions
Banks may be restricted from having imprudently large exposures to individual counterparties or groups of connected counterparties. This may be expressed as a proportion of the bank's assets or equity, and different limits may apply depending on the security held and/or the credit rating of the counterparty.
Related party exposure restrictions
Banks may be restricted from incurring exposures to related parties such as the bank's parent company or directors. Typically the restrictions may include:
Exposures to related parties must be in the normal course of business and on normal terms and conditions
Exposures to related parties must be in the best interests of the bank
Exposures to related parties must be not more than limited amounts or proportions of the bank's assets or equity.

Instruments and requirements of bank regulation

Capital requirement
The capital requirement sets a framework on how banks must handle their capital in relation to their assets. Internationally, the Bank for International Settlements' Basel Committee on Banking Supervision influences each country's capital requirements. In 1988, the Committee decided to introduce a capital measurement system commonly referred to as the Basel Capital Accords. The latest capital adequacy framework is commonly known as Basel II. This updated framework is intended to be more risk sensitive than the original one, but is also a lot more complex.
Reserve requirement
The reserve requirement sets the minimum reserves each bank must hold to demand deposits and banknotes. This type of regulation has lost the role it once had, as the emphasis has moved toward capital adequacy, and in many countries there is no minimum reserve ratio. The purpose of minimum reserve ratios is liquidity rather than safety. An example of a country with a contemporary minimum reserve ratio is Hong Kong, where banks are required to maintain 25% of their liabilities that are due on demand or within 1 month as qualifying liquefiable assets.
Reserve requirements have also been used in the past to control the stock of banknotes and/or bank deposits. Required reserves have at times been gold coin, central bank banknotes or deposits, and foreign currency.
Corporate governance
Corporate governance requirements are intended to encourage the bank to be well managed, and is an indirect way of achieving other objectives. Requirements may include:
1. To be a body corporate (i.e. not an individual, a partnership, trust or other unincorporated entity)
2. To be incorporated locally, and/or to be incorporated under as a particular type of body corporate, rather than being incorporated in a foreign jurisdiction.
3. To have a minimum number of directors
4. To have an organisational structure that includes various offices and officers, e.g. corporate secretary, treasurer/CFO, auditor, Asset Liability Management Committee, Privacy Officer etc. Also the officers for those offices may need to be approved persons, or from an approved class of persons.
5. To have a constitution or articles of association that is approved, or contains or does not contain particular clauses, e.g. clauses that enable directors to act other than in the best interests of the company (e.g. in the interests of a parent company) may not be allowed.

General principles of bank regulation

Banking regulations can vary widely across nations and jurisdictions. This section of the article describes general principles of bank regulation throughout the world.

Minimum requirements
Requirements are imposed on banks in order to promote the objectives of the regulator. The most important minimum requirement in banking regulation is maintaining minimum capital ratios.

Supervisory review

Objectives of bank regulation

The objectives of bank regulation, and the emphasis, varies between jurisdiction. The most common objectives are:
1. Prudential -- to reduce the level of risk bank creditors are exposed to (i.e. to protect depositors)
2. Systemic risk reduction -- to reduce the risk of disruption resulting from adverse trading conditions for banks causing multiple or major bank failures
3. Avoid misuse of banks -- to reduce the risk of banks being used for criminal purposes, e.g. laundering the proceeds of crime
4. To protect banking confidentiality
5. Credit allocation -- to direct credit to favored sectors