Florida Banking October 2021

JURIS MASTER DEGREE PROVIDES DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF RISK

BY SONYA KRISTIE, VICE PRESIDENT AND TRUST OFFICER AT CALDWELL TRUST COMPANY

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY – GRADUATED SUMMER 2020 WITH A JURIS MASTER IN FINANCIAL REGULATION AND COMPLIANCE

T he Juris Master program was a most beneficial opportunity for me.The efforts and coordination of Florida State University and Florida Bankers Association working together to provide this program made it as accommodating as possible for working individuals to continue their education. The program did require a great deal of self-discipline, but FSU has been very accessible and supportive to all of my questions and concerns. The professors and their assistants were very accommodating and responsive and, even with all of the challenges of the pandemic, classes were not negatively affected in any way. The program did expand my knowledge in subjects above and beyond my expectations. As a manager, this program helped me to realize risks that I can solely mitigate. The law aspect articulated the liability factors associated with the risks. I am now able to provide more knowledge and experience to management as well as easing concerns of my clients and staff. The program has given me more confidence in my decisions, enabling me to influence better decisions by staff members and help others that work in different fields. Working for a private trust company does come with regulations and compliance factors to follow. The Juris Master program expanded my knowledge, not only of my company’s risks and rules, but other companies' as well. This has provided me with a better understanding of how other financial institutions operate differently and why, which has allowed me to work with these other financial institutions more easily. The program allowed me to understand some of the risk management programs, technology risks, and how to better protect my staff and clients. I now have a better understanding of how to work with regulators and help support my company in its growth. The Florida Bankers Educational Foundation provided me with another opportunity: the financial assistance that helped me pay for the Juris Master program. They were wonderful to work with in offering

scholarship assistance with my tuition payments. This helped alleviate some financial burden and stress of covering the expense of the program. It also helped me to focus on what was most important — my studies. I am grateful for the opportunity to take advantage of the Juris Master program. It was an amazing experience, allowing me to virtually connect with interesting and inspirational students and professors. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested. Working to advance your career through education? The FBEF is here to help. FBEF funding applications are accepted throughout the year, with application deadlines of November 1st, February 1st, May 1st and August 1st. Applications and eligibility information can be found online at floridabankers.com/educational-foundation-fbef. html. Contact FBEF Director Letty Newton at (850) 701-3522 or lnewton@floridabankers.com for more information on how the FBEF can help you. The FBEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Registration #CH7621. Contributions to the FBEF are tax-deductible. Organized in 1956, the FBEF continues to help bankers throughout Florida. If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to the FBEF, contact Letty Newton at 850-701-3522, lnewton@ floridabankers.com, or PO Box 1360, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1360. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINEDFROMTHEDIVISIONOFCONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 800-435 7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. www. FloridaConsumerHelp.com

WWW.FLORIDABANKERS.COM OCTOBER 2021 — 19