FIBA Elects New Board of Directors headed by President Frank Robleto
A Journey to Financial Excellence to be a key objective
 

MIAMI (June 7, 2011) FIBA, (Florida International Bankers Association) a trade association whose membership includes some of the largest financial institutions in the world, with foreign and domestic banks from Europe, the U.S. and Latin America who are active in international trade and finance in our hemisphere, has elected its new Board of Directors to be headed by President Frank D. Robleto. Robleto will serve during the 2011-2012 fiscal year and has served as First Vice President of FIBA for the past year. He will take office on July 1st for a one-year-term, succeeding Caja Mediterraneo's Dario Fuentes.

Robleto is President and Chief Executive Officer of BAC Florida Bank, based in Coral Gables, Florida. He was appointed to his current position on May 1, 2005, after serving for two years on the Bank's Board of Directors and on several committees of the Board.

In his inauguration speech, FIBA's president-elect addressed members and guests who gathered for the 32nd anniversary and the installation of the new Board of Directors. Robleto believes that in spite of challenges to the industry from increased regulation combined with a slow economic recovery, FIBA will continue on its Journey to Financial Excellence. "International banks continue to face major challenges on the regulatory side, including the Dodd-Frank Act which represents the most comprehensive financial reform since the Great Depression, and Basle III which will increase the cost of capital and lower the profitability of banks, as well as restrict the funds available to loan in the local community", Robleto said during his acceptance speech. "The sluggish economic recovery, including a still-declining real estate sector, has prolonged the financial crisis", he added.

With opportunities in international trade finance and international wealth management, as well as a commitment to innovation and talent development, Robleto and the Board of Directors are confident that FIBA will continue to move forward on its path to financial excellence. Robleto identified the 5 key pillars to achieve this: 

• Protocols and Advocacy. FIBA will continue working on strategic alliances and cooperation with other entities that share FIBA's goals of economic growth and expansion in our community, such as the Beacon Council, Enterprise Florida, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Latin American Federation of Banks (FELABAN). In addition, FIBA will re-double its advocacy efforts on issues such as the newly proposed IRS rule which would require banks to report non-taxable interest income earned by NRAs (non resident alien account holders).
• In depth Support of Key International Business Activities. International wealth management, international trade finance which is a national priority for job creation through the doubling of exports, and all facets of banking operations which support the business lines, will be key priorities for Robleto.
• Strong Communication. Both internal and external communication are critical for FIBA and international banking to remain at the vanguard in an industry undergoing constant change.
• Local and International Conferences. These remain a necessity for members, regulators and the larger financial community to come together to share best practices which are at the forefront of international banking and finance.
• Talent Training and Development. This is the final pillar any industry that wants to be successful. FIBA has been extremely pro active in creating a variety of learning platforms to keep the international bankers up-to-date and to develop the next generation of international bankers. Examples are the broad range of e-learning courses, the new international trade finance specialist certificate, the FIBA AML Institute certifications, in partnership with FIU and other training programs.

Taken together, Robleto is confident that these priorities will lead to a vibrant and successful international financial industry.

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