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Three SNBT Bankers Earn Prestigious
National Certification |
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Diane Gromoske, Karen Lahay, and Beth
Larson, Personal Bankers at The Stephenson National Bank & Trust (SNBT),
recently earned the prestigious Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP)
designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB). |
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This designation is awarded to
individuals who have participated in a stringent training process
and passed certification testing. In addition, each professional
must abide by a strict code of ethics and complete continuing
education in order to retain their certification. An Individual
Retirement Account (IRA) is a tool for retirement savings. Unlike
other investments, IRA contributions may be tax deductible and will
grow either tax-deferred or tax-free. |
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“With IRAs, just as other areas of
the bank, we have taken an active role in gaining advanced
certifications through additional schooling,” said John Reinke, SNBT
President. “This allows us to stand apart from other financial
institutions in our region by having the largest group of accredited
employees ready to serve our customers’ needs. By being proactive
and looking ahead to the future, we can anticipate the needs of our
community in order to provide unsurpassed IRA servicing.” |
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To pass the rigorous
exam, students must participate in over 30 hours of
intensive instruction plus countless hours of study.
The curriculum, taught by authorities on IRAs, is
designed to develop advanced skills and provide a
thorough understanding of IRA principles, which will
allow these Personal Bankers to better assist
customers with their needs. The CISP exam covers
many areas, including employer plans, requirements,
plan portability, estate planning, and other IRA
specific issues. To prepare for the intense
certification process, the SNBT employees attended a
demanding five-day course in Denver, CO. |
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“This training could
not come at a more important time for our customers.
It has been indicated that there will be more than
75 million baby boomers retiring in the coming
years,” Reinke said. “These individuals will need
specific guidance from our knowledgeable team who
can assist them with moving their assets from
employer-sponsored retirement plans to IRAs, and
properly handling IRA distributions to maximize
their income during retirement.” |
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The CISP
certification was designed to establish meaningful
standards of knowledge and competency for IRA
professionals, give formal recognition to those who
meet prescribed standards, and meet continuing
professional education and development
requirements. The ICB, with 8,000 certified
members, provides financial services professionals
with confidence, credibility, and recognition
through its certifications. As a subsidiary of the
American Bankers Association, ICB promotes the
highest standards of performance in the financial
services industry by validating individuals’
knowledge and expertise. |
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