A new sound practice bank channel marketing initiative entitled BC-SME has been launched by Sum2. This initiative is ment to assist community and regional banking companies to strengthen their business presence in the SME (Small Medium Enterprise) market. The purpose of the BC-SME program is to help bank's increase and generate greater returns of capital allocations on its SME business portfolio.

    Most of the bankers understand that the problems visible in the subprime mortgage lending market are indicative of the emerging heightened risk factors in the consumer lending market as a whole. That's why the business environment within community banks traditional markets is most challenging. These facts force local banks to develop new ways of atracting customers and capital, and many are targeting the SME market as a business growth engine. The IFC stated that the SME market in the United States is believed to approach 6 million businesses.

    The program offers local banks business development vehicles that drive the sale of commercial financial products. It gives numerous opportunities for client and prospect engagement. The current BC-SME program consists of three professional service products.

    "Sound Practice products and services are usually associated with larger private companies and publicly listed firms. Indeed, the better managed firms have been using sound practice tools and programs for some time. It is clear that SME firms need to incorporate sound practice initiatives and tools as a strategic imperative to strengthen their businesses. Small businesses benefit through the implementation of sound practices in many ways. Chief among them is the attraction of premium clientele, increased profit margins, enterprise and regulatory risk mitigation and enhanced returns on equity and investment capital," noted the President of Sum2, James McCallum.

    Banking institutions can benefit from the BC-SME program in numerous ways. Bank calling officers can engage clients and prospects on a deeper forensic level. The bank is in a position to offer its client's unique insights into the risks in the prospects business model and financial condition. The bank is also armed with a clear understanding of a company's asset quality and the potential risk associated with the commercial relationship. Financial product sales are also highly correlated to its commercial deployment while potential loss events are further mitigated due to the enhanced due diligence and heightened corporate and transactional transparency.

For more information check the Sum2 website: http://www.sum2.us/