The Massachusetts Bankers Association (MBA) is a multi-faceted banking trade group that represents about 125 banks. These institutions, large and small, are commercial, savings and co-operative banks, federal savings banks, savings and loan associations, and trust companies throughout the Commonwealth, and New England. Together, our member banks manage an aggregate $27 trillion in assets under custody. The MBA was founded in 1905 “To promote the general welfare and usefulness of banks and banking institutions; to secure uniformity of action, together with the practical benefit derived from personal acquaintance and from the discussion of subjects of importance to the banking, commercial and industrial interests of the State of Massachusetts, and especially in order to secure the proper consideration of questions regarding the financial and commercial usages, customs and laws which affect the banking interests of the State of Massachusetts, and for the protection against loss by crime.” Today, the focus of the MBA is as much on the consumer as it is on the banker. As the world changes, the MBA and member banks seek to advise, educate and inform customers on how best to manage their financial lives. An educated consumer is, in fact, a better customer and, as such, both customers and banks prosper. Still, it would be an oversimplification to say that the key beneficiaries of the work of the MBA are merely banks and customers. In fact, the constituencies of the Association also include legislators, regulators, consumer advocates, the media, community groups and, of course, the general public.