His methods differ from Occupy Wall Street, but his aim is the same: level the playing field within the U.S. financial system. Why bank analyst Mike Mayo may just be the most determined market idealist on Wall Street.

Although they might not be feasible solutions, at least ideas for the future of the financial industry are finally beginning to surface — again.

Does it make sense for banks to have stars in their eyes (or in their ads)?

A legislative proposal aims to resolve complaints from bankers about overly-tough examinations, but will face opposition from regulators.

The idea that small business spurs job growth is a powerful, if not biblical, force in economic theory and public policy. But what if it's not true?

Princeton economist Alan Blinder tries to unravel the mystery behind a famous comment he can't remember making.

Can banks have it without sponsoring Little League?

In an industry in need of new sources of revenue, some banks have built insurance brokerage operations that account for 40% or more of their total noninterest income. Most banks have not followed, however, and the business remains a minor sideline nationally.

Wall Street analysts failed to anticipate the severity of the collapse in bank earnings in 2008 and 2009, and then underestimated the strength of the rebound last year. For what it’s worth, forecasts in late 2011 registered the most skepticism over the two-year outlook in more than four years.

Where did debit strategies go wrong, and where will they go next? Maria Aspan reports from the ATM, Debit & Prepaid Forum, an annual event with special resonance this time around.

No matter what turn the economy takes in the year ahead, banks face a dramatically changed world. The focus should not be how to get back to the good times, but how to move institutions forward.

The past year was a mixed bag for bankers. Some found success in picking up market share, or in finally putting federal bailouts into rear view. Others encountered fresh challenges, from run-ins with regulators to the realities of a still-fragile economic recovery. With the new year sure to bring its own mix of achievements, redemption stories and trouble spots, the editors of American Banker offer 10 bank CEOs worth watching in 2012. (A gallery of the 2012 Bankers to Watch can be found here.)

Select quotes from the world of financial services.