Founded in 1914, The Risk Management Association (RMA) is a not-for-profit, member-driven professional association whose sole purpose is to advance the use of sound risk principles in the financial services industry. RMA promotes an enterprise approach to risk management that focuses on credit risk, market risk, and operational risk.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, RMA has 1,600 institutional members that include banks of all sizes as well as nonbank financial institutions. They are represented in the Association by 31,000 individuals located throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia/Pacific.

Interested in getting involved with RMA and this Chapter? Go to www.rmahq.org/membership to find out how.

The East Central Pennsylvania Chapter, like all RMA chapters, is organized and run by volunteer members. We strongly encourage current or prospective members to become involved in shaping the future direction of the chapter by contacting any of the current officers or committee chairs. We would also be happy to discuss the many benefits that can be derived from membership in RMA.  

RMA and BAI have come together as ProSight Financial Association. This strategic combination brings together RMA’s expertise in serving commercial banking and its risk management needs and BAI’s knowledge in serving retail banking and its regulatory compliance requirements.

The trusted programs and products we provide are delivered with your best interests in mind to help you address the challenges and opportunities you and your organization are facing. You can learn more about our offerings at our new website.

Risks, Regulations, Opportunities, and Disruptors – Preparing for the Uncertainties of 2025

At RMA’s Annual Risk Management Virtual Conference, expert speakers explore why fortifying traditional risk disciplines like credit and liquidity management is essential to navigating through disruptions and the unexpected challenges of an increasingly complex operating and regulatory environment. From skittish depositors to aggressive fraudsters to a talent brain drain, banks face a growing list of threats to the stability and viability of their institutions. Technology offers hope but carries with it its own substantial risks. 

*Please note, many sessions will be CPE eligible, regulated per NASBA guidelines.  

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Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOP) have been an increasingly popular method for business owners to attract, retain, incentivize and reward employees. In addition ESOP owned businesses have also served as an effective ownership transition vehicle. However, ESOP owned companies contain complexities which make these businesses unique in many ways and challenging to understand.

Please join the RMA East Central PA Chapter as we host an on-line general membership meeting which will provide participants with an overview of ESOP owned businesses, considerations regarding their structure, and provide a basic understanding of their advantages and disadvantages. We will welcome Brian Sharkey, CPA, CEPA; Katrina Samarin, CPA and Steve Feimster, CPA from Kreischer Miller to discuss the following:
• Overview of ESOPs and their structure
• Using ESOPs as a transition tool
• Financial reporting implications and complexities
• Tax advantages and considerations.

Brian Sharkey – Brian is a Director at Kreischer Miller and leads the firm’s Business Advisory Group. In addition, Brian also oversees Audits and Reviews of ESOP owned companies and is also Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).

Katrina Samarin – Katrina is a Manager at Kreischer Miller within the firm’s Tax Strategies Group. Katrina provides a variety of tax services including tax planning and research for corporations, partnerships, trusts and high-net-worth individuals. In addition, Katrina is extremely active in the firm’s ESOP Industry Group and has her Masters of Taxation from Villanova University Law School.

Steve Feimster – Steve is a Manager at Kreischer Miller within the firm’s Audit and Accounting Group. Steve has a wide range of experience providing traditional audit and accounting services to a variety of businesses, including manufacturers, not-for-profits, distributors, and professional service organizations. Steve also serves in the firm’s ESOP Industry Group and is relied upon to figure out complex ESOP financial reporting issues.

This webinar recording may be accessed via the following link:  

ESOPs 101 For Lenders Webinar