Banking Success Through Community Commitment 

ohave State Bank, one of Arizona’s largest community

banks, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this October. Vice President of Compliance and BSA Officer Jean Vander Wal has a simple explanation for the success that has allowed the bank to acquire $310 million in assets and six offices in Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Bullhead City and Yuma: “It is truly a community bank. It cares about the community and the people in it. It is here to serve these people and to help them with their financial needs. Also, Mohave State Bank has always hired the best people and has been able to retain this talent. Every customer has value, from the $100 account to the

million dollar account.” But the bank’s commitment to its community extends beyond financial matters: Staff members provide financial support to and participate in such non-profit organizations as the March of Dimes, the Salvation Army, the United Way and Interagency.

When looking for a compliance system, Mohave State Bank had specific criteria. “A service that could truly assist the bank in answering compliance questions, reviews and keeping us up to date on the latest changes,” Vander Wal says. “Not only telling us about the new changes, but actually providing us with the tools to stay

compliant.” Their choice was TriComply, a compliance solution offered by TriNovus.

The goal of TriComply is to keep clients informed of the latest regulatory requirements and provide analysis on the best way to comply. Banks can send compliance questions to the TriComply staff and receive answers and advice. Questions and answers from other banks can be viewed as well. The TriComply staff will create new policies and procedures for banks as required. In addition, the staff will review advertisements to ensure they contain the appropriate disclosures and provide compliance suggestions. Clients will receive a weekly compliance newsletter written by Blair Rugh, head of TriComply, addressing the most significant compliance issues and providing advice.

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It was at the suggestion of Vander Wal, a recent addition, that Mohave State Bank began a business relationship with Blair Rugh. “Blair has such a wonderful understanding of compliance, and has a way of getting his point across with understanding and humor. When I was talking with our president about getting a service and found out Blair was with TriNovus, I immediately investigated TriComply to see what they had to offer. My recommendation to the president and his immediate acceptance, I am sure, came from my excitement about joining that group and knowing the quality of his work. I also had spoken with several gentlemen from TriNovus and they were so professional and accommodating the other services did not even have a chance.”

In only one month, the benefits TriComply has brought Mohave State Bank have been obvious. “They have been able to answer a multitude of questions and provide us with necessary reviews and training. Their response time is incredible, and they don’t come

back with numerous questions. They answer the question in its entirety, but of course, if you still need additional clarifications, they respond very quickly and accurately.” One specific example Vander Wal cites concerns garnishment rules that went into effect on May 1, 2011. “Not only did they let us know about it through their weekly newsletter

and provided a complete understanding of what the new rules were, they put together the policy and training slides. Now that is service.”

High satisfaction bodes well for the future. “If their service continues as it has during this first month, I can’t imagine Mohave State Bank not utilizing their services. They get what compliance officers need to get the job done. I believe they understand the complexities of day- to-day compliance and

they are doing everything they can to help us.”

And to think this successful partnership started with a simple phone call. “It happened that someone from TriComply had called our internal auditor, who forwarded the call to me,” Vander Wal recalls. “If I hadn’t gotten the call, I would have probably signed up for a different service and regretted it, knowing there was this great service out there. I found out just in time. That is why I am comfortable sharing with my compliance network about this service. All hardworking compliance officers need to know about it.”

For more information on TriComply or to schedule a demo online or in person, contact the TriNovus sales team at 205.991.5636.