USAA fined $140 million for willfully failing to implement anti-money laundering laws, federal regulators say
Federal regulators have fined USAA Federal Savings Bank $140 million for willfully violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S. Treasuryโs Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced Friday.
Busted pipes lead to flood of insurance claims
SAN ANTONIO โ With the big thaw barely underway after days of wintry weather conditions, homeowners are flooding their insurance companies with claims. The Insurance Council of Texas expects hundreds of thousands of claims to be filed with losses in the billions. Most of those claims were for frozen and busted pipes. โThe homeownerโs policy does cover ensuing damage and most of the time covers frozen pipes in these situations where pipes burst,โ said Elizabeth Gulick, vice president of Catastrophe Experience and Shared Claims Operations. โReally assess what youโre hearing, what youโre seeing.โAdAs the frozen pipes begin to thaw, she says itโs critical to know where to find the main water cutoff valve.
Hereโs what to do if your home, vehicle sustained damage due to winter weather
SAN ANTONIO โ Icy roads, and power and water outages are on the minds of many in San Antonio amid the winter weather event that has resulted in ice and even snow. San Antonio-based USAA says residents should also be aware of what to do when they experience damage to their homes or vehicles. AdUSAA has released some tips on dealing with home or vehicle damage due to the winter weather. USAA members can file a claim at USAA.com/helpAccording to USAA, if there is only damage to your auto glass, file an auto glass claim. If there is damage to more than just your auto glass, file an auto claim.
Program helps owners โtake the helmโ of struggling small businesses
SAN ANTONIO โ Small business owners in San Antonio struggling to stay afloat are being urged to โtake the helmโ as they navigate turbulent financial waters during the pandemic. Every day we never know what tomorrow is going to be,โ said Arthur Perez, co-owner of Cadeaux, a gift shop downtown. โThey will be providing meaningful support to small businesses that are the backbone of our community, many of which are minority-owned,โ Schmitt said. AdHe said given the lack of parking, Cadeaux now offers valet service. So they walk in, they shop, I valet their car upstairs, and then I bring it back down,โ Perez said.
USAA grants $1 million to nonprofit group helping students of color in local schools
SAN ANTONIO โ Experts and local leaders say education can directly combat racial inequity in communities, which transfers directly into the workforce. USAA granted $1 million to the nonprofit Communities in Schools, or CIS, which offers wraparound case management, social service referrals, mental health services and emergency assistance. The new grant asks the organization to specifically focus on disadvantaged students of color. Jessica Weaver, Communities in Schools San Antonio CEO, said students of color are the groupโs key demographic and look forward to being able to help more students. โThe 10 campuses that were supported by the USAA grant, three of the ten are brand new to us,โ Weaver said.
USAA donates $3.5 million to San Antonio organizations for COVID-19 relief
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio-based USAA has donated $5 million to nonprofit organizations across the country as support during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a large chunk of that going to seven local programs. USAA on Thursday announced $3.5 million will go to local organizations like Haven for Hope, the San Antonio Food Bank and Meals on Wheels โto address needs exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic.โโSince the pandemic began in March, many families across the country have experienced hardships related to food insecurity, limited access to technology and connectivity for remote schooling, lack of childcare and sometimes even homelessness,โ Harriet Dominique, chief diversity, inclusion and corporate responsibility officer, said in a news release. โAligned with our mission, we hope this continued support that we are able to provide to key nonprofit organizations helps with some of the burdens families are experiencing.โAdThe seven organizations included in the distribution include:Boys & Girls Clubs of San AntonioHaven for Hope of Bexar CountySan Antonio Food BankSan Antonio Metropolitan MinistriesUnited Way of San Antonio and Bexar CountyMeals on Wheels San AntonioTexas A&M University-San Antonio to help โclose the digital divideโThe remaining funds will be donated to more than a dozen nonprofit locations across the country, USAA said. The latest report from the Labor Department shows that the number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose to 742,000 last week. More coronavirus coverage:
USAA fined $85M over risk management, compliance violations
SAN ANTONIO โ Editorโs note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued an $85 million civil penalty against San Antonio-based USAA Federal Savings Bank on Wednesday, citing failures with the bankโs risk management and compliance, according to a news release. The OCC said these issues led to violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the Military Lending Act, and that the bank is working to remedy the violations under a 2019 consent order. โThe bank has failed to implement and maintain an effective compliance risk management program and an effective [information technology] risk governance program commensurate with the bankโs size, complexity and risk profile,โ according to the OCCโs latest consent order. Read more on USAAโs previous violations at the San Antonio Business Journal.
Federal government orders USAA to pay $85M civil penalty
SAN ANTONIO โ The federal government has ordered USAA to pay an $85 million civil penalty. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said deficiencies led to violations of the Military Lending Act and the Service Members Civil Relief Act. Among the deficiencies the OCC found were:USAA failed to implement, maintain an effective compliance risk management program and an effective IT risk governance program commensurate with the bankโs size, complexity, and risk profile. USAA has deficiencies in all three lines of defense (first-line business units, independent risk management, and internal audit) in its compliance risk management program. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said USAA Federal Savings Bank is working to fix its violations.
These San Antonio companies made Forbes list of Texasโ best employers
SAN ANTONIO โ Forbes has released its findings for best employers in each state for 2020 and several San Antonio companies are among the top in Texas. And two San Antonio school districts rounded out the top 50 with Northside and North East Independent School Districts coming in at No. Many companies that have branches or stores in San Antonio also made the list, but they arenโt based out of the Alamo City. Costco Wholesale, Trader Joeโs and Starbucks, all of which have multiple locations in San Antonio, were ranked high up on the list of best employers in Texas. For the full list of best employers in Texas, click here.
USAA donates $30 million to help service members, veterans, families impacted by COVID-19
SAN ANTONIO โ In an effort to help service members, veterans and their families impacted by COVID-19, USAA has donated $30 million to address new challenges faced by military families during the pandemic. The donation, the largest in company history, will be used to benefit 24 organizations assisting military families, according to a news release. โCaring for military families is our passion, whether itโs through serving our members or supporting military-related causes. According to research from the COVID-19 Military Support Initiative, 25% of active military families were separated from their service member due to deployment or pandemic supporting activations during the first three months of the pandemic. USAA and The USAA Foundation, Inc. previously contributed nearly $11 million to COVID-19 crisis relief causes.
USAA giving back another $270 million to auto insurance holders, totaling more than $1B
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio-based USAA on Tuesday announced that it will return an extra $270 million in dividends to auto insurance policyholders. The dividends will be given to members as a 10% credit for two monthsโ worth of premiums, the insurance company stated. It will be provided to all auto insurance members with policies in effect in June and July. In April and May, USAA returned $800 million to members as a 20% credit on three monthsโ worth of premiums. As these patterns unfold, we are adjusting our auto insurance rates.โRead also:
Food service company to lay off hundreds as USAA extends work from home
SAN ANTONIO โ Editorโs note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. Sodexo Quality Life Services informed the Texas Workforce Commission that it plans to permanently lay off more than 300 workers. That decision comes after the food service company and retailer, which operates several retail facilities at USAA, was informed that the financial services giant is extending work-from-home orders for its employees through December. The company said the decision by USAA will force it to keep those facilities closed until at least January 2021. Read more on numerous layoffs that are expected in Bexar County across multiple sectors at the San Antonio Business Journal.
USAA awards SAISD $325K to help bridge digital divide within online learning model
SAN ANTONIO USAA awarded the San Antonio ISD Foundation with a $325,000 grant in order to help bridge the digital divide. The SAISD Foundation and SAISD, along with several local companies, including USAA, are making technology hotspots available to all students this fall so that they can continue to learn virtually. A spokeswoman for the foundation said roughly 60% of SAISD students did not have access to internet hotspots. The foundation and USAA are raising money for students who need that technological support. San Antonio District 5s per capita income is less than $14,000, and 54.6% of homes have broadband access needed to connect students with their online classrooms.
Former KSAT anchor Rosenda Rios dies after battle with cancer
SAN ANTONIO โ Former KSAT reporter and anchor Rosenda Rios has died after a battle with cancer. Rios worked at KSAT from 2000 to 2010, covering a variety of stories from breaking news to Spurs championships. Before coming to KSAT, Rios was already a well-respected journalist having worked in radio and television in Austin and San Antonio. She lived her life with gusto, fiercely loved her family and friends, and never stopped being a member of the extended KSAT family. Watch Rosenda Rios report after Spurs clinch 2003 NBA Championship:
UTSA expecting more than $35M revenue shortfall; to cut hundreds of jobs
SAN ANTONIO Editors note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. The University of Texas at San Antonio is eliminating hundreds of positions. The balance of the 243 staff workers impacted will see a reduction in hours and 137 vacant staff positions will be eliminated. The budget changes include some unit reorganizations that will open up 55 staff positions that have already been posted internally. Read more on this story at the San Antonio Business Journal.
USAA employees to continue working from home until next year
SAN ANTONIO Editors note: This story was published through a partnership between the San Antonio Business Journal and KSAT. The majority of USAA's employees will continue working from home until after the end of this year, the company confirmed Monday. The company previously said that its work-from-home guidelines would last until Sept. 1. The extension is in response to rising cases of Covid-19 in some areas, including San Antonio, and to proactively address potential waves of the virus spreading later in the year. Read more on how individual departments are affected at the San Antonio Business Journal.
After the hail storm comes the deluge of insurance claims
SAN ANTONIO โ It was a messy morning on Thursday after a noisy night. โIt was loud, really loud,โ said Bill Centeno, whose Churchill Estate home took a pounding. โWe thought the windows were going to break.โโLooks like snow:โ Twitter users share videos of hail storm in San Antonio and KerrvilleThe windows held, but three towering trees fell like dominoes. โWe can do it all online through photos and digitally.โFor roof claims, USAA resorts to high-flying technology. โBe wary of anyone who asks for large sums of money upfront.โHistoric sculptured bench near San Antonio Zoo damaged in hail stormAs for the Centenos, they are glad that the storm damage wasnโt worse.
Hail of a storm! 7 things to know if you were affected by hail
SAN ANTONIO โ Hail rained down on parts of San Antonio, the Hill Country and South Texas over the last few stormy nights. Photos: Hail pelts San Antonio as severe storms pass through cityWhile the threat continues for more storms this week we may be having to call our insurance companies to access the damage. Work with your insurance company; call the Better Business Bureau or your local municipality for information on reputable contractors. Fraud can be prevalent following a hail storm. Insurance companies will send adjusters to inspect damage claims following hail storms.
Hereโs how USAA is bringing San Antonio employees back to the office
SAN ANTONIO โ While USAA is extending work-from-home guidelines until Sept. 1, employees can begin coming back to work starting June 15. The voluntarily pilot program will take place at the San Antonio, Phoenix, Tampa and Colorado Springs campuses, according to a news release from the financial institution. โWhen we do return to the office, it will be phased over time,โ USAA stated. โEmployee safety remains our top priority.โOfficials plan to announce additional details about the pilot program before it launches. USAA donating $1 million to SA nonprofits responding to coronavirus
USAA will return more money to policyholders due to fewer drivers on the road
SAN ANTONIO โ USAA is returning an additional $280 million dividend to auto insurance policyholders based on fewer drivers on the road. This is similar to last month where more than a $500 million dividend was given to members as a 20% credit for two months worth of premiums. This additional credit will reflect 20% of the third monthโs worth of premiums. All auto policyholders in effect as of April 30th will receive the credit. USAA to return money to auto insurance policy members
USAA to return money to auto insurance policy members
SAN ANTONIO โ USAA will be returning money to members who have an auto insurance policy. According to a news release, policy holders who have an auto insurance policy as of March 31 will receive 20% credit on two months of premiums in the coming weeks. The company made the decision after data showed members are driving less due to stay-at-home and shelter-in-place guidance across the country. Other automotive insurance companies have announced they are also returning money to policy holders. Returning premiums provides timely help for our members,โ said USAA President and CEO Wayne Peacock.
USAA employee in San Antonio tests positive for coronavirus, company official says
SAN ANTONIO โ A USAA employee in San Antonio has tested positive for coronavirus, USAA spokesman Matt Hartwig confirmed to KSAT 12 News on Sunday. The infected employee has not been on the USAA campus since March 6 and is being treated outside of Texas, Hartwig said. The infected employee is not among the three cases being investigated by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, City of San Antonio spokeswoman Laura Mayes said Sunday night. USAA sent employees a letter about the infected employee, Hartwig said. KSAT CORONAVIRUS CONTINUING COVERAGE:ยท The ultimate coronavirus guide: From preparedness and prevention to testing and treatmentยท SAQ: Your questions answered about the coronavirusยท Texas Gov.
Military families gifted refurbished vehicles
SAN ANTONIO โ Three needy military families were presented with a free refurbished vehicle Friday. Gunn Collision, USAA and Allstate teamed up for the project. Gunn Collision spearheaded the project and arranged for local vendors to do the body work and paint finishing to prepare the vehicles. The project is in conjunction with the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides Program.
Two SA companies score 100% for LGBTQ workplace equality
SAN ANTONIO โ The non-profit, Human Rights Campaign, just released its annual Corporate Equality Index, which grades companies across the nation on their level of inclusion for LGBTQ employees. Two San Antonio companies received perfect scores this year: Rackspace and USAA. "I think we both experienced that before Don't Ask Don't Tell was repealed. HRC puts together an annual Corporate Equality Index, which uses a list of criteria to rate companies on inclusivity. Weโre asking you to understand it and respect it in the workplace,โ said USAA Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Jason Kamiya.
News @ 9 Business Briefing: Economic forecast; Changes to Toyota plant; USAA decreasing employee bonuses
SAN ANTONIO โ San Antonio Express-News Business Editor Greg Jefferson stopped by KSAT News at 9 to discuss the 2020 economic forecast, the changes coming to the local Toyota plant and the decrease in bonuses for USAA employees. Jefferson is also a columnist at the San Antonio Express News. You can read more of his work by clicking here. News @ 9 Business Briefing: 2020 economic forecastNews @ 9 Business Briefing: Changes coming to local Toyota plantNews @ 9 Business Briefing: Decrease in USAA employee bonusesAPP USERS: Click here if you experience issues playing the individual videos
USAA employees help assemble care packages for deployed servicemembers
SAN ANTONIO โ USAA employees helped spread holiday cheer Thursday as they teamed up to assemble thousands of care packages for overseas troops. The goal for this year calls for 10,000 care packages, which include everyday items like socks, toiletries and snacks, plus a handwritten note by employees and their families. The packages will be sent to deployed servicemembers for the holidays. Holiday store hopes to help kids learn the art of givingUSAA encourages the public in the giving spirit to purchase items on Operation Gratitudeโs AmazonSmile page through Dec. 15 so they can be added to care packages.
USAA employees help assemble care packages for deployed servicemen and women
USAA employees help assemble care packages for deployed servicemen and womenPublished: December 5, 2019, 9:36 amUSAA employees helped spread holiday cheer Thursday as they teamed up to assemble thousands of care packages for overseas troops.
โWhile You Were Sleepingโ: Command center at USAA monitors threats, warns employees around the world
SAN ANTONIO โ A bank of television monitors stretches across the entire wall at the front of a secured room. In the early morning hours one recent day, only four eyes were keeping watch on them all. Scott Simmons and Rene Martinez work on the overnight shift at the Unified Command Center on the campus of USAA. As Senior Incident Manager and Incident Manager 1, respectively, their jobs involve watching over the world, looking for any signs of trouble. โAny type of police activity, fire activity, any other threats that may come through such as HazMat incidents,โ said Simmons.