Trusted Advisors to Financial Institutions
Saltmarsh provides risk-informed strategies, regulatory guidance, and deep operational experience to help banks, credit unions, and fintechs strengthen compliance, improve performance, and prepare for what’s next.
Featured Resources
Stay ahead with our latest benchmarking updates.
Performance Comparison Reports
Stay ahead with our latest benchmarking updates. Compare your institution’s performance with peers across the Southeast. Our quarterly reports are now available for:
BANKS
Download our quarterly bank performance reports for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
CREDIT UNIONS
Regulatory Compliance Reports
Download our quarterly report covering the latest regulatory compliance updates for banks and credit unions.
Audit, Compliance, and Advisory Services for Financial Institutions
Saltmarsh offers a full spectrum of audit, compliance, risk, and advisory services for financial institutions. Our team works with banks, credit unions, and fintechs to deliver practical solutions tailored to your institution’s size, structure, and strategic goals.
Audit & Internal Controls
- Internal Audit: Independent, risk-based audits tailored to your institution’s operations and regulatory requirements.
- FDICIA 363 Consulting & Testing: Support and testing for institutions approaching or exceeding asset thresholds under Section 36.
- Information Systems & Cybersecurity Audits: Comprehensive reviews of IT controls, cybersecurity practices, and compliance with FFIEC guidance.
Regulatory Compliance
- Regulatory Compliance Reviews: Targeted reviews across deposit and lending operations to support regulatory readiness.
- BSA, AML, OFAC, and CFT Reviews: Independent testing and program assessments tailored to evolving risk environments.
- Fair Lending & UDAAP Risk Reviews: Data-driven analysis to assess potential disparities and meet regulatory expectations.
- CRA Services: Support for community development strategy, performance context, and exam preparation.
- ACH Reviews & Risk Assessments: Operational and compliance reviews aligned with NACHA rules and emerging payment systems.
Credit Risk & Finance
- Credit Quality Reviews: Independent loan reviews that assess credit risk, underwriting, and portfolio management practices.
- Asset Liability Management Reviews: Evaluation of ALM frameworks, interest rate risk, and liquidity management strategies.
- Trust Operations & Fiduciary Responsibilities: Reviews of trust and fiduciary operations to support sound risk management and regulatory compliance.
Advisory & Training
- Third-Party Risk Management Reviews: Assessments of vendor oversight programs for compliance and operational risk.
- Advisory, Training, and Coaching: Hands-on support, board education, and custom training to strengthen oversight and accountability.
Focused Support for a Rapidly Evolving Industry
Saltmarsh partners with financial institutions across the spectrum, tailoring our services to the needs, size, and structure of each organization. Whether you're navigating complex regulations, scaling operations, or responding to examiner feedback, our team is built to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Banks
We help community and regional banks meet regulatory demands, enhance internal processes, and build sustainable growth strategies in a competitive environment. Learn More
Credit Unions
Our team understands the unique mission and governance of credit unions. We support compliance, audit, and operational improvements aligned with your member-first focus. Learn More
Fintechs
As fintechs grow and partner with banks, regulatory expectations increase. We help startups and established platforms build credible compliance frameworks, conduct required reviews, and prepare for bank partnerships or growth milestones. Learn More
Client Testimonial
Trusted Partners with a Practical Approach
At Saltmarsh, our goal is to function as an extension of your team. With decades of industry experience, we bring firsthand knowledge of how financial institutions operate and how regulations are enforced. Our team includes former bankers, compliance officers, regulators, and auditors who understand what it takes to succeed on both sides of the exam table.
We focus on delivering clear, actionable guidance that fits your institution. Clients count on us for our responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to see the bigger picture. We don’t just help you meet requirements. We help you build stronger, more resilient operations.
Our Leaders
Saltmarsh’s Financial Institutions team is led by professionals who have spent decades inside banks, regulatory agencies, and consulting practices. Their insight goes beyond theory: they’ve led through change, built compliance programs from the ground up, and served as trusted partners to banks across the country.
Their leadership sets the tone for every engagement, ensuring our clients receive practical guidance, timely communication, and solutions tailored to their specific challenges
Josh Strickland, CPA Partner
Josh is a partner in Saltmarsh’s Financial Institution Advisory Group, with deep experience in accounting, internal audit, loan review, and strategic consulting. He advises community banks on financial performance, accounting, and operational matters, helping them navigate mergers, improve reporting, and strengthen long-term planning.
Kristen Stogniew, Esq., CFE Partner
Kristen is a partner and leader of Saltmarsh’s Financial Institution Consulting practice, with over 25 years of experience advising banks, credit unions, and fintechs on legal, operational, and compliance matters. She also provides tailored training and mentorship, and facilitates user groups across key systems and risk areas.
Paul Allen, CPA, CGMA Director
Paul is a director in Saltmarsh’s Financial Institutions Advisory Group. He began his career in 1981 and has held senior roles at several financial institutions, including Chief Financial Officer, as well as with an international accounting firm.
Stephen Reyes, CISA, CISSP Partner
Stephen is a partner and leader of Saltmarsh’s Information Technology Services practice. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in IT compliance, security audits, and system consulting for financial institutions. He holds multiple industry certifications, including CISA, MCSE, and CCNA.
Sarah Oliver, CRCM Director
Sarah is a director with more than 20 years of experience in regulatory compliance and consulting for financial institutions, specializing in compliance management systems, deposit and lending regulations, marketing practices, and FCRA compliance. She is a member of the firm’s Financial Institution Advisory Group and brings extensive expertise in helping institutions navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
Lorraine Faust, CRCM Director
Lorraine is the director of Fair Lending/Fair & Responsible Banking in Saltmarsh’s Financial Institution Advisory Group, bringing over 30 years of experience in audit, compliance, and regulatory risk management across financial institutions of all sizes. She is passionate about collaboration, sharing best practices, and helping organizations navigate regulatory complexities while fostering strong relationships that drive meaningful solutions.
Insights
Stay Up To Date with the Financial Institution Industry
Join our email list for banks or credit unions to receive quarterly insights and information on upcoming events from our team of experts to help you succeed in this ever-changing environment.
Let’s Talk
Questions about compliance, risk, or operational strategy? Looking for a partner who understands the demands of running a bank in today’s environment? We’re here to listen, advise, and act.
Reach out today to connect with our team and learn how Saltmarsh can support your next step.
