Brad Neighbors | Banking & Financial Services

Education

The University of Alabama School of Law

J.D., 2006
Auburn University

B.S., 2003, Finance

Bar Admissions

Alabama, 2006

It is imperative that banks develop and maintain effective cybersecurity protocols. The implementation and maintenance of these protocols have proven challenging for even the largest banks.

What types of clients do you represent?

I serve a wide range of financial institution clients, from community banks to large regional banks. I also have clients who are non-bank financial institutions, such as credit unions, finance companies or other businesses that are not typically considered financial institutions but offer in-house financing for their own goods and services. I also represent insurance company clients on regulatory and compliance matters.
What do you see on the horizon in your area of practice?

In the coming years, I think we will see an increase in community bank mergers and acquisitions, particularly as the economy improves and the costs of compliance rise. Community banks can achieve economies of scale, strengthen their positions in the marketplace and make better use of their assets through strategic mergers.

We have also seen increased scrutiny in and focus on privacy and data security issues. I believe we will see more from regulators in the form of new laws and guidance on what to do to mitigate risk and improve security among financial institutions.
What do you find most exciting about your work?

The financial world is always evolving and changing. It is interesting to keep up with the shifts and trends in the industry. My work presents new challenges every day. I enjoy figuring out the answers and helping my clients resolve issues as they arise. I think of myself as a member of their team.
Which courts or agencies do you most often appear before on behalf of your clients?

I often work with the Alabama State Banking Department, FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, and CFPB on behalf of our clients to obtain approvals, to respond to regulatory orders they have issued, and to help our clients interface with those agencies in response to a regulatory agency’s examination. I also work closely with the Alabama Department of Insurance when seeking regulatory approvals related to insurance company activities. We often play the middle man between our clients and these regulators, whether in resolving issues or seeking approvals. We build and maintain strong relationships with all these agencies.

Select Matters

Community bank merger transaction: Represented a community bank and its holding company in a merger with and into another community bank and its holding company resulting in a combined bank with approximately $700 million in assets. Represented bank in negotiation of the definitive merger agreement, assisted bank in obtaining all required regulatory and shareholder approvals, and prepared the required securities filings.
De Novo bank formation: Represented a de novo community banking institution in its formation and chartering as a federally insured state bank. Advised and assisted the bank with obtaining the required regulatory approvals and prepared all corporate documentation to effectuate the formation and capitalization.
CARD Act compliance: Worked closely with a large regional credit card issuing bank to revise its credit card program to comply with new requirements and restrictions imposed by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD Act) and its implementing regulations.
Formation of bank holding company: Represented a community bank in a reorganization and share exchange resulting in the community bank becoming a subsidiary of a newly formed bank holding company. Advised and assisted the bank with obtaining the required regulatory and shareholder approvals and prepared all corporate documentation to effectuate transaction.
Vendor contract negotiations: Routinely represents banks in the negotiation of agreements with third party vendors. Negotiates agreements in accordance with guidance from bank regulators on vendor risk management best practices.
Consumer lending program: Represented a Fortune 500 subsidiary in the structuring and ongoing compliance of its in-house financing program. Advised the company on compliance with the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and other consumer protection regulations.
Data breach response policy: Represented a financial institution in the development of a data breach response policy.
Insurance company acquisition: Represented a group of private equity investors in the acquisition of a publicly traded insurance holding company and its 3 insurance company subsidiaries. Advised and assisted the private equity group in obtaining the required regulatory approvals and represented the group in an administrative hearing in front of the state insurance Commissioner.

Publications

News

Speaking Engagements

Credentials

Education

The University of Alabama School of Law, J.D., 2006
Auburn University, B.S., 2003, Finance

Bar Admissions

Alabama, 2006

Professional Affiliations

Alabama State Bar
American Bar Association
Birmingham Bar Association

Awards & Accolades

The Best Lawyers in America^®, Financial Services Regulation Law
Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star

W. Brad Neighbors

Select Matters

Publications

News

Speaking Engagements

Credentials