At the time that Tanner Winterhof was working at VisionBank as a senior vice president in commercial banking, the Federal Reserve claimed that he fabricated documents that were essential to the operations of the bankruptcy proceedings. Let’s get to know Tanner Winterhof better before we move on to the rest of the story, which will be discussed in its entirety.
Tanner Winterhof: A Brief Overview
As Tanner Winterhof emerges from the fields of Aurelia, Iowa, he appears to be a self-proclaimed farmer’s advocate, but a deeper examination shows a different story. Even though he presents himself as an innovator and educator, his credibility and dedication to the principles he professes to uphold are called into question by recent occurrences.
Tanner Winterhof has been under fire for his recent involvement in a banking scam, despite his position as co-host of the “Farm4Profit Podcast” and his professed commitment to helping farmers.
When he was employed at VisionBank of Iowa, the Federal Reserve chastised him for allegedly falsifying documents, which caused the bank to suffer significant losses. By using forged signatures and overseeing the improper use of loan earnings, among other unethical acts, Tanner Winterhof has cast doubt on his ability to represent the farming community.
Concerns concerning financial institutions’ employment procedures are further raised by Winterhof’s swift transfer to Availa Bank, where he was able to obtain a role as an executive vice president and loan officer.
After media attention, Availa Bank swiftly removed Tanner Winterhof from their staff page despite claiming to be unaware of any inquiry against him. Potential ethical transgressions and lack of due diligence throughout Winterhof’s career are highlighted in this episode.
Winterhof’s actions at VisionBank reflect a contradictory reality, despite his professed devotion to sustainable techniques and community building within agriculture. The controversy has damaged public confidence in his advocacy work and cast doubt on the sincerity of his stated commitment to farmers’ welfare.
In conclusion, Tanner Winterhof’s bright public persona is called into doubt by his recent involvement in a financial crisis and issues with transparency and honesty. It is unclear whether farmers and members of the farming community, who may have sought him for leadership, truly believe that he is committed to their interests.
Tanner Winterhof: Executive Resigns After Iowa Bank Forgery Allegations
Tanner Winterhof was reprimanded by the Federal Reserve for allegedly forging documents at VisionBank of Iowa, which resulted in significant losses for the bank. Even after his dismissal from VisionBank last year, Tanner Winterhof was able to secure employment at another bank.
The Federal Reserve claims that Tanner Winterhof fabricated paperwork, such as a subordination agreement, about loans he made to a client.
Formal Enforcement Action by the Federal Reserve
The Fed said in a formal enforcement action that Winterhof’s actions ultimately cost the Bank at least $100,000 in losses and legal fees because “the documents at issue were central to subsequent bankruptcy proceedings to which the Bank was a party.”
Specifically, according to a bankruptcy petition in which VisionBank was mentioned as a creditor, Tanner Winterhof faked the initials of Melissa Dyer, a loan executive at the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, on a “subordination agreement,” which allocates loans by importance. Subsequently, the FSA notified VisionBank that the subjection agreement was fraudulent.
The fake signature misspelled Dyer’s name, according to the bankruptcy declaration.
The Federal Reserve stated that Winterhof’s actions “showed a deliberate or persistent disrespect for the safety and soundness of the Bank,” and that he “directed that a customer’s loan funds be used in a manner that was contrary to the intended use of the loans as stated in the useful financing documents.”
Winterhof agreed to abide by the Fed and gave his assent for the Fed order to be released. He is not obligated to acknowledge or refute any misconduct, though. However, Winterhof is not allowed to be a member of the leadership of any banking organization as a result of the decision, which took effect on September 26.
The Fed said that Winterhof was let go by VisionBank in January 2022. CEO of VisionBank Heather Miller said to CNN that as of right now, she has “no further clarification, beyond what was released by the Federal Reserve.”
Statement from Availa Bank and Lack of Knowledge
Then, based on Winterhof’s LinkedIn profile and the bank’s earlier staff page on Thursday, he went to Availa Bank, which is also headquartered in Iowa, where he worked as a vice president and loan officer.
However, Winterhof was taken off Availa Bank’s staff page not long after CNN contacted the bank for a comment. By email, an Availa official informed CNN that Winterhof is no longer employed by the bank.
In a statement, Lisa Irlbeck, director of marketing and community education and outreach at Availa, said, “Availa Bank was not aware of any investigation against Mr. Winterhof at any point, and any measures initiated by the Federal Reserve System against Mr. Winterhof are entirely unconnected to Availa Bank and its customers.”
According to CNN, Winterhof did not react to several requests for comment, except for an automatic email response stating that he was out of the office. In addition, he did away with his LinkedIn page once CNN started asking questions about it.
It was previously mentioned in Winterhof’s LinkedIn bio that “I know in a strong business relationship the trust runs on both sides of the street,” suggesting that he puts in a lot of effort to earn and keep the trust of all of his clients.
Everyone who works with me immediately understands that I am passionate about money and assisting others in achieving financial success, and I am looking forward to demonstrating that passion to every one of my first-time clients.
According to a description that was published by the Iowa Bankers Association, Winterhof has had the ambition to work in the banking industry ever since he was a child. Additionally, he is the host of his podcast, which is called Farm4Profit.
You must make the effort to comprehend the requirements of the customer to give them the most satisfactory experience possible in terms of customer service.
At home with my family, with friends in the community, and with guests when we perform podcast interviews, this then translates for me outside of my job in a variety of different ways,” Winterhof said.
Being in the banking industry has helped me become significantly better than I was in the past, but I still do not consider myself to be particularly skilled in this area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VisionBank of Iowa suffered significant losses due to Federal Reserve charges that Tanner Winterhof forged documents. The Federal Reserve’s formal enforcement action highlighted the bank’s willful disregard for safety and soundness, resulting in almost $100,000 in losses and legal issues.
Winterhof was hired at Availa Bank after VisionBank fired him, but the Federal Reserve’s order ended his employment. Availa Bank denied investigating Winterhof, saying the Federal Reserve’s actions mattered not to the bank or its customers.
Winterhof, who never responded to media questions and deleted his LinkedIn profile, historically stressed trust and financial success in his working partnerships. His boyhood dream of becoming a banker and hosting the “Farm4Profit” podcast brought interest to his employment.
The case shows the difficulties financial companies have in assuring employee integrity and the risks of employees switching banks during regulatory actions. Winterhof’s rapid resignation from Availa Bank highlights the claims and regulatory implications he faced, raising questions about banking industry recruiting due diligence.
To learn more about the forgery case of Tanner Winterhof you may follow the mentioned links below:
- https://www.wsiltv.com/news/consumer/he-allegedly-forged-documents-at-an-iowa-bank-that-led-to-a-bankruptcy-he-still/article_98a2d769-0117-5a0a-ada7-fe967e2a8da2.html
- https://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20230929/NEWS06/912360165?template=printart
