Kristin Broughton

News that Amazon is courting banks to help it offer its own branded checking account raises major questions about which banks could be helped or hurt, who would control the relationship and how Amazon's partner(s) would make money.

Wells Fargo, which has been told by the Fed that it needs to improve its governance and controls, on Thursday received an important thumbs-up from its outside auditor and also named the four senior directors who will retire next month.

The company has fired two additional prime brokerage employees as it continues to investigate accusations of misconduct.

The bank will spend an additional $1.4 billion on technology in 2018 to gain share and boost efficiency, executives said Tuesday. But they were peppered with questions about whether the big investment will yield a big financial return down the road.

Shares of the Providence, R.I., company plunged Monday after a news report that it faces possible legal risks from the latest charges filed against Paul Manafort, the former campaign manager for President Trump.

The Charlotte, N.C., company will open 500 new branches and hire 5,400 employees as it continues to expand in midsize cities across the country.

A mix of tax sweeteners and a lower cost of living has prompted banks such as MUFG Americas, Northern Trust and Bank of the West to locate corporate-level jobs in Phoenix and surrounding areas.

The Chicago bank is denying a report that its CEO, Steve Calk, made $16 million in mortgage loans to former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort in exchange for a job in the White House.

Popular will acquire $1.5 billion in auto loans amid questions about the potential for loan losses following Hurricane Maria. The deal also coincides with Wells Fargo's need to stay inside a growth cap imposed by regulators.

Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan predicted minimal financial impact from the bank's enforcement order with the Federal Reserve, saying he expects to retain top talent in the commercial bank while the asset cap is in place.