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Financial Institutions StratInfo developed the Branch Expansion strategy for a South Florida bank, including new locations, deposit/credit products and fee-generating services. We identified desirable locations based on population, income, and business profile of targeted areas, and developed a profitability model for each proposed branch. StratInfo was engaged to perform an assessment of the organizational and operational performance of a bank and of the effectiveness of management in meeting its goals. We also provided numerous recommendations for improving organizational and operational efficiencies. StratInfo prepared the business plan for another successful De Novo bank application including market analysis, bank operations and pro-forma financial statements. We worked with the investors and regulators during the application process and assisted management in preparation for the bank's opening. StratInfo assisted a bank in recruiting a new CEO including the structuring of the compensation package. StratInfo worked with various banks’ executives in framing optimal Asset/Liability Management decisions. Our experience with complex financial models and market trends provided in-depth perspectives on mitigation of interest rate and market risks. We recommended options for maximizing investment yields within each bank’s risk profile. StratInfo also performs audits of a bank's interest rate risk management process in accordance with Regulators' directives -- including those issued on Risk Modeling, the Advisory on Interest Rate Risk Management, and the Supervisory Guidance on Model Risk Management, and made recommendations to enhance the measurement of interest rate risk as well as the implementation of the bank's policies in this area. We developed a methodology to assess the consistency of a bank's financial model output. As part of a bank's annual financial statement StratInfo regularly issues an estimate of the fair value of the bank's loan portfolio and time deposit liabilities based on the guidelines set out in FAS 107. Based on our understanding of the economic fundamentals of the bank's assets and liabilities we determine the expected cash-flow of each loan and deposit account or grouping. StratInfo assists banks in the determination of their Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses by providing critical information and analysis of key economic, financial, and business conditions and how they will affect the quality of the bank's loan portfolio. StratInfo has been an integral part of banks' annual strategic planning process by providing a thorough analysis of Opportunities and Threats in the banks' primary markets. Our extensive experience in international banking helped a local banking institution in its efforts to comply with regulations and to streamline trade and project financing in Latin America & the Caribbean. StratInfo developed a methodology for country risk assessment used by banks in managing their international exposure. Manuel Lasaga, Ph.D. has been a consultant to the World Bank for 20 years, specializing in evaluation and performance audits of infrastructure projects and banking systems.
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Multinational Corporations StratInfo assisted a Fortune 500 food processor with its medium-term Sales and Production planning. We compared political and economic factors affecting market competition, investment climate, international trade, social stability, purchasing power and business environment in 11 Latin American countries. StratInfo analyzed the impact of Petroleum Prices on manufacturers and retailers in the automotive parts industry. We developed statistical (econometric) models that incorporated critical drivers of consumer demand, such as price sensitivity and discretionary income. StratInfo provided quarterly Country Risk Updates on economic and political factors affecting 20 Latin American and Caribbean economies. Our clients in the financial and manufacturing sectors relied upon these reports to better manage their credit exposure, currency gains/losses, and trade patterns. StratInfo presented a strategic analysis of key economic markets in Latin American countries to senior regional management of a Fortune 100 global corporation.
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Professional Services
Firms StratInfo collaborated with a national law firm to prepare a De-Novo Bank application for foreign investors. We developed the business plan and financial pro-forma and assisted the organizers during a complex application process. The bank opened for business in early 2006. StratInfo assisted attorneys as Expert Witness in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Dr. Lasaga’s expert calculation of economic losses for international commercial and personal cases included research of country-specific business conditions, earnings trends, taxation, etc. StratInfo advised billion-plus Hedge Funds with investments in Latin America on economic and political trends affecting the performance of equity and fixed-income securities.
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Public Sector StratInfo supported Miami International Airport’s Revenue Bond issuance with an economic/market analysis that was used as the basis for 10-year passenger and cargo forecasts. We focused on the linkages between Miami-Dade and Broward counties and key domestic and international markets, and also participated in presentations to major bond rating agencies. StratInfo was engaged to assist MIA in recruiting new airlines and expanding its services. We provided analysis of business, trade, and travel connections between South Florida and selected overseas markets to target prospective airline partners. The Jay Malina International Trade Consortium of Miami-Dade County hired StratInfo to prepare a study on the economic impact of international merchandise trade in Miami-Dade. We utilized two complex models: the first, a detailed Input/Output model for the calculation using the most recent trade and economic information; and the second, a dynamic Input/Output economic model to project the impact out to 10 years. We also recommended key strategic initiatives to help enhance Miami-Dade's share of U.S. international trade.
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Industry Associations StratInfo prepared the first Economic Impact study of the banking industry in the Cayman Islands. The study was commissioned by the local bankers association and included an in-depth analysis of the offshore banking center and recommendations for policy reforms and industry initiatives. StratInfo presented the American Copper Council with the current outlook for industrial production in the U.S. economy, the impact of the surge in commodity prices on inflation, and the prospects for production and consumption in the hemisphere.
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Conferences Dr. Lasaga continues to be available for interviews with national and local media as well as presentations to industry associations and think-tank conferences. Recent topics have included: The outlook for the U.S. and global economies and financial markets The U.S. fiscal hemorrhaging and the potential for a sell-off of U.S. Treasuries The Impact of the current recession and financial crisis on Latin American markets Changing structure of U.S. trade and consequences of the trade deficit for the value of the US dollar The Sub-prime and Energy Crises and the Health of the U.S. Economy China – Latin American trade relations and their implications for Florida Determinants of competitiveness in the major Latin American economies and how the recent changes in the political climate have influenced their ability to compete in international markets The impact of the global and regional expansion on key Florida industries, such as Real Estate, Tourism and Trade The economic and demographic characteristics of Hispanic businesses and their opportunities in international business Country risk in Latin America and implications for credit managers in manufacturing and telecommunications Corrections in South Florida commercial and residential real estate markets
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