Long-time Wisconsin regulator honored by University

The University of Wisconsin-- Oshkosh has honored Michael Mach, administrator of the Division of Banking, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), by awarding him its College of Business Outstanding Alumni Award. Of 9,000 graduates, Mach is only the 19th to receive the award.

Mach,

"I really got into the field because of the nature of my degree and because my dad was a banker," Mach said. "I also had some familiarity with the state banking department and the regulatory agencies."

Mach began his career as a bank examiner in Oshkosh, became a field supervisor in La Crosse in 1978, and transferred to Madison in 1984 where he has held several administrative positions. He has acted as a regulatory consultant on a number of legislative projects, including a complete rewrite of Wisconsin banking law.

"In my opinion, Mike makes a significant contribution to the state of Wisconsin every day he goes to work," said Kim Straka, who works with Mach at the DFI and nominated him for the honor.

"Another example of the level of Mike's contributions, not only to the financial services industry of Wisconsin, but also the State of Wisconsin as a whole, is his role as the co-chair of the finance committee on the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission of the Year 2000 Preparedness. Mike's influence and guidance enabled the state to announce on Sept. 1, 1999 that Wisconsin's banks were 100 percent ready for the year 2000," Straka said.

Looking back over his career, Mach said the most significant change from a regulatory standpoint was the deregulation of interest rates. "Prior to that time, banks paid essentially the same prices," Mach said. "It certainly caused a significant shift in emphasis toward focusing on bank management. It separated the good managers from the poor managers."

As administrator of the Division of Banking, Mach oversees all 268 state chartered banks and loan originators, as well as 25 state chartered savings institutions. "Essentially, we perform ongoing supervision and regulation," Mach explained. "As administrator, I'm responsible for the management of the exam and application activities, such as applying for new branches. We're also involved in any type of enforcement activities."

An active community member, Mach has served on the Madison West Athletic Boosters Association, the Greater Madison Area Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and was a member and former officer of the Jaycees. He also served for more than 10 years as a volunteer leader for the boy Scouts of America. Thirty scouts earned Eagle Scout Awards while in troops associated with Mach.

"I have two sons, one 25 and one 22. One of the things I am particularly proud of is both my sons became Eagle Scouts," Mach said.

Mach remains active by biking, cross-country and downhill skiing, and golf. He attributes much of his own success to the people around him. "I'm quite proud of the division and our staff here," he said. "I think we have a very highly trained and competent staff and I take a lot of pride in them."

By Justin Dullum