Innovation is key in today's dynamic market. Suni Harford, president, asset management at UBS walks us through two significant innovations she drove in the asset management industry this year — including a ground-breaking approach to climate change and sustainable investing.

The pending sale of Umpqua Investments should free up funds for the company to invest in other businesses.

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run, the industry's biggest annual philanthropic event, saw a nearly 10% increase in giving this year despite being canceled.

A continued slowdown in refinances, though, drove overall loan-application volumes lower last week, even as the Government Index posted a small gain, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency also is offering more opportunities for public dialogue as stakeholders debate how fast the process should move forward.

Overall rate locks dropped 1.5% on a month-to-month basis; the drop in purchase volume was higher at 1.9%, Black Knight said.

Credit cards offer consumers three things stablecoins currently cannot: interest-free short-term loans, rewards programs and transaction reversibility. Your Visa card is going to remain in your wallet for a long time.

The financial services industry has made positive gains in consumer trust in recent years. As we enter what seems likely to be an era of deregulation, that newfound trust is theirs to lose.

Small businesses and consumers deserve the relief that legislation like the Credit Card Competition Act would bring from the fees that burden every card-based transaction. Banks can easily afford it.