Provident Bancorp, one of the nation's oldest active banks, is setting the stage to become a fully stock-owned company.

The New Jersey bank is entering a business dominated by larger players. In doing so, it could create a blueprint for other small banks.

Northpointe Bancshares sold stock to an affiliate of Castle Creek Capital.

The sharpest run-up in rates seen in over three decades slashed mortgage origination volumes, and contributed to a volatile market environment, but had some cyclical benefits for servicing.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency said it would heed the recommendation from a report by its Office of the Inspector General released this week.

The final rule also orders the government-sponsored enterprises to give advance notice of new activities to determine if they are subject to these procedures.

In a string of speeches last week, the top federal banking regulators outlined goals and framed their thinking about artificial intelligence in financial services, but the biggest questions around liability and widespread adoption remain unanswered.

The National Credit Union Administration lacks the authority to regulate third-party vendors that supply vital services to the industry. This creates a major risk to credit union customers and the broader U.S. economy.

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe, and victims will always require support from their banks. A plan for delivering that support needs to be in place before disaster strikes.