News Media
Recognized as a leading expert on community banking, company Founder and Managing Principal Justin Barr is often quoted by leading financial news outlets including The American Banker, ABC 7 News Chicago, and the Chicago Tribune, for which he has produced a series of special reports on the health of the Chicago area banking market. Loan Workout Advisers’ Managing Director Lee Pollock also is quoted in the news as a community banking expert.
American Banker, Jan. 27, 2012
Tennessee Remains Failure Free, But for How Long?
Justin Barr discusses data from Loan Workout Advisers that shows which banks have capital issues in Tennessee.
American Banker, Dec. 23, 2011
Back to the Farm? Banks Stuck with Land Explore Sales for Agriculture
Justin Barr is quoted in this story on why more community banks are looking to turn lots back into farmland.
American Banker, Sept. 15, 2011
FDIC to Close Temporary Illinois Office Early
Justin Barr is quoted on how many Chicago area banks remain in danger of failing as of June 30, 2011.
American Banker, August 23, 2011
Chicago Bankers See Promise in Local M&A
Justin Barr is interviewed on current Chicago banking conditions.
Chicago Tribune, July 23, 2011
Number of Illinois Thrifts Shrinks by about Two-Thirds Since 1992
Justin Barr discusses the Texas ratio, which measures the health of a financial institution.
American Banker, June 16, 2011
Chicago Banks Balk at M&A as Earnings Issues Persist
Justin Barr discusses a report from Loan Workout Advisers that shows a 15% drop in first quarter earnings from Chicago banks with more than $1 billion in assets. The article also analyzes how earnings are impacting acquisitions in the Chicago area.
American Banker, April 21, 2011
Clock is Ticking on First Chicago’s Capital
Justin Barr discusses the recapitalization efforts at First Chicago Bancorp.
American Banker, March 10, 2011
Robust Agricultural Lending Sector Attracts Regulatory Scrutiny
Justin Barr is quoted on the current risks in agricultural lending.
American Banker, March 9, 2011
Playing Cupid: Third Parties Find New Ways to Link Banks, Borrowers
Lee Pollock comments on trends in the community bank syndicated lending market.
American Banker, February 22, 2011
Trups Trustee Surprisingly Vocal in Bankruptcy Case
Justin Barr is interviewed regarding the bankruptcy case of a Chicago bank holding company, Builders Financial Corp.
American Banker, Jan. 31 2011
Taylor Capital Back in the Red as Loan-Loss Provision Swells
Justin Barr discusses capital-raising issues for community banks.
Chicago Tribune, Nov. 18, 2010
FDIC Sues Failed Banks
Justin Barr of Loan Workout Advisers comments on recent steps taken by the FDIC to sue former bank officials who worked at banks that failed.
American Banker, Nov. 12 2010
Clean Slate for ‘11 Motivates Selling of Nonperformers
The American Banker interviews Justin Barr on the year-end financial steps banks are taking to improve their balance sheets.
Chicago Tribune, Sept. 17, 2010
Your wallet: Grading your bank
The Chicago Tribune’s Becky Yerak quotes Justin Barr on the current condition of the banking industry in Illinois.
American Banker, Sept. 15, 2010
Two Chicago Deals Signal Capital Thaw
The American Banker interviews Justin Barr on the quality of loans at two troubled Chicago area banks recently purchased.
Chicago Tribune, Sept. 1, 2010
Inside Financial Services
Chicago Tribune’s Becky Yerak references the Sept. 8 banking summit co-sponsored by Loan Workout Advisers. Scroll down to the end of the article.
ABC 7 News Chicago, August 20, 2010
Regulators Shut Down ShoreBank
Justin Barr comments on Goldman Sachs’ motives in investing in the highly-politicized, post-receivership recapitalization of ShoreBank in a deal that has many of the hallmarks of open bank assistance.
Chicago Tribune, August 3, 2010
Struggling Hispanic Lender Fighting for Survival
Reporter Becky Yerak reports on steps taken by Second Federal Savings to raise capital and obtain minority designation. Click here to read about the role Loan Workout Advisers is playing in keeping the thrift in business.
Chicago Tribune, July 28, 2010
Inside Financial Services
The Chicago Tribune’s Becky Yerak discusses the purchase of Family Federal Savings of Illinois by GreenChoice Bank in a transaction that saved the 100-year-old thrift. Loan Workout Advisers advised Family Federal during the rescue. Scroll down to the second item called “Give and Take.”
American Banker, July 23, 2010
Illinois Mutual Resuscitated by Rare Regulatory Move
The American Banker covers Loan Workout Advisers’ advisory role in the rescue of Family Federal Savings of Illinois.
American Banker, Friday, July 9, 2010
An Illinois Mutual Hopes for Its Own ShoreBank-Style Rescue
Chicago Tribune, June 30, 2010
Special Report: Chicago-area Banks Losing Money
Chicago Tribune, June 15, 2010
The Barr family was referenced in a Father’s Day business feature.
American Banker, May 14, 2010
ShoreBank's Rescue Effort Close to Hitting Its Target
American Banker, May 6, 2010
No Lack of Suitors for Illinois' Midwest
ABC 7 News Chicago, April 23 2010
FDIC: Feds Take Over Giannoulias’ Family Bank
American Banker, April 23, 2010
Packaging Failed Banks Can Stymie Small Buyers
American Banker, April 20, 2010
Green Bank Dusts Off Old Way of Salvaging Mutuals
American Banker, April 1, 2010
Regulators Hit TierOne and Midwest with Tough Enforcement Orders
Chicago Tribune, March 17, 2010
Special Report: Chicago Banks with Texas-sized Texas Ratios
Chicago Tribune, March 11, 2010
FDIC Seeks Bids on Local Banks
American Banker, March 11, 2010
FirstMerit Seeks Growth in Tough Chicago Market
American Banker, February 5, 2010
Failed-Bank Owners Sue FDIC, Alleging It's Fickle
American Banker, February 1, 2010
Loan Sales Look Better to Banks with Fresh Capital
American Banker, January 25, 2010
Midwest's Revival Plan Takes Key Step Forward
American Banker, January 15, 2010
Two Denials, Few Options for Amcore
American Banker, January 6, 2010
Amcore Says Capital Ratios Are Looking Up
Chicago Tribune, December 2, 2009
Many local banks face capital problems
Chicago Tribune, December 1, 2009
Special Report: 39 Chicago-area banks with serious NPA and capital issues
Chicago Tribune, September 13, 2009
Special Report: More Banks Feeling Under the Weather [PDF]
Chicago Tribune, April 12, 2009
Lending trends at several Chicago-area banks on upswing
Chicago Tribune, April 12, 2009
Special Report: Who’s Doing the Lending [PDF]
Chicago Tribune, March 23, 2009
Toxic-assets plan leaves local financial community optimistic but with many questions [PDF]
Chicago Tribune, March 22, 2009
Special Report: Banks’ Vital Signs Weaken [PDF]
Chicago Tribune, January 6, 2009
Banks trying to cope with rise in bad loans [PDF]
