Thursday, June 1, 2017

American Bankers Association Hosts 2017 Conference in Chicago


A graduate of Northwestern University’s MBA program, Colin Robertson serves as executive vice president of Northern Trust, located in Chicago, Illinois. A professional in the Chicago area for more than two decades, banking executive Colin Robertson serves as a board member for the American Bankers Association(ABA) investment advisory committee.

Representing America’s bankers, the ABA offers training, information, and resources for its members. It represents more than two million banking professionals, who work for institutions that hold almost $17 trillion in assets and safeguard nearly $13 trillion in deposits.

Every year the ABA sponsors a national conference where members gather, network, and learn about changes within the banking industry. The 2017 annual conference is scheduled for October 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This event includes general sessions that focus on political and economic trends and forums that feature moderators who are experts in banking. Featured speakers include Tom Ricketts, executive chairman of the Chicago Cubs; General Michael Hayden, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency; and Marcus Lemonis, host of CNBC’s “The Profit” as well as CEO and chairman of Good Sam Enterprises and Camping World.

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Where Will Interest Rates Go in 2017-2018?


Colin Robertson serves as managing director of fixed income investments for Chicago’s Northern Trust Asset Management. The banking executive’s major responsibility is overseeing the department handling bonds and other fixed-income instruments. Also in close contact with his Chicago clients and internal partners, Colin Robertson continues to keep a close eye on economic forecasts.

One Forbes commentator projected the future of interest rates for 2017-2018. He predicts no rate hikes in 2017, doubting the Federal Reserve’s prediction of two more increases before the end of the year. 

The observer maintains that the Fed is inaccurately predicting the pace of continued economic expansion. He notes that discretionary spending by business is still down. Reflecting this shortfall are problems in hiring, new building construction, and buying more equipment and IT systems. These weak performances mirror uncertainty about the economy. 

Foreign and economic policy remain unclear, affecting export-import activity and the transport and warehousing sectors. Still-evolving immigration rules may impact construction, agriculture, and the hospitality industry.

Doctors and physicians have also expressed concern for the national healthcare system, and changes in governmental policies are likely to influence the banking industry, education, and utilities to an unknown degree. 

However, next year economic uncertainty should ease, leading to a more robust strengthening. 2018 should bring about more rate increases from the Fed.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Financial Technology - an Important Business Trend in Global Economies


For Colin Robertson, a banking executive at Northern Trust in Chicago, work is almost as enjoyable as play. Colin Robertson carries over his work for clients in Chicago and beyond to his favorite after-hours entertainment – pursuing knowledge about business and financial trends relevant to clients and economies inside and outside the United States.

On March 9, 2017, the US Federal Trade Commission held the third in its series of three public forums on financial technology at the University of California, Berkeley. The forum, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, focused on the consumer implications of these developing technologies and examined how they may be used to serve and protect consumers.

In November 2016, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) held a financial technology public forum at its Washington, DC, headquarters. The SEC says that the forum was designed to foster collaboration among regulators, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, and to evaluate how government regulations can best address innovations in the financial services industry.

The World Economic Forum follows this trend at the global level. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, recently identified the world’s financial technology hubs as demonstrated by market size, investment, and staffing. The United Kingdom tops the list, followed by California, New York, Singapore, Germany, Australia, and Hong Kong.

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Three Investment Tips for First-Time Investors


Colin Robertson is a banking executive in Chicago who currently works as the Managing Director of Fixed Income at Northern Trust Global Investments. Even outside of work, Colin Robertson considers investing and keeping up with the stock market a hobby. 

If you have never invested in the stock market, it can seem like a confusing, daunting challenge. These three tips will help ensure you are off to a good start. 

1. Consult a Professional - Even after studying the stock market and learning the lingo, speaking to a pro can help you determine your options. Investment advisors and professionals will be able to give you in-depth information regarding the types of accounts to open and different investment methods, illuminating the benefits and drawbacks of each. 

2. Leave Emotion Out of Investing - Successful long-term investments often require the ability to control your emotions and avoid acting on fear, rumors, or speculation. Company stock prices often reflect a right-now mentality. If investors are worried about the future of the business, stocks lower. If the future looks bright, share prices rise. Before investing, determine your expectations regarding return. Know at what point you will sell, either at a loss or profit, to avoid having to make that decision later when emotions are high. 

3. Start Now - Whether you are a 20-year-old student working as a barista at the local coffee shop, or a highly-successful executive on a six figure salary, now is the time to start investing. Generally speaking, the longer you invest, the more money you will make. Thanks to compounding rates of return, investing $25 a month now would likely provide higher returns than waiting and investing more later in life.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

MLB Releases New Cubs-Centric Documentary After World Series Win


Colin Robertson is a Chicago-based banking executive currently working as an executive VP in the role of managing director of fixed income for Northern Trust. A faithful Chicago Cubs fan, Colin Robertson has attended every home playoff game for over 20 years. 

The MLB recently released a new Chicago Cubs-centric home video of the 2016 World Series documentary. The film comprises of highlights showing off the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 season and post-season, where they won the World Series for the first time in 108 years. At 97 minutes, the feature-length film is narrated by actor Vince Vaughn, himself a Chicago native and fan of the team. 

Cub fans can see player and coach interviews, highlights from the season’s best games, and clips from the team’s victory parade after winning the World Series. The film is available in both DVD and Blu-Ray formats. 

If that is not enough, fans can look for the eight-disc Collector’s Edition, which features all seven World Series games and includes additional bonus features and footage.