New Report Says Oklahoma Banks Remain Strong

August 28, 2009 -- A new report says Oklahoma’s banking sector is strong compared to the rest of the country.

"It’s clear that the nation’s commercial banks and thrifts will continue to face some challenges in the months ahead, but Oklahoma banks remain strong," Marty Hansen, Chairman of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, tells The Oklahoman.

During the second-quarter Oklahoma banks posted a profit of $346 million. Just 16 of Oklahoma’s 247 banks (6.5%) were unprofitable in the second quarter.

"In many states banks are in far worse shape, primarily because of housing problems that were allowed to develop. Fortunately, Oklahoma is not one of those states," Hansen tells The Oklahoman.