Susan Ochs

Policy reform efforts will fall short until bankers at the largest institutions stop worshiping complexity, prioritize service and long-term relationships, and encourage employees to pipe up rather than hide problems.

The best way to stave off regulatory excess in the wake of a financial crisis is to stop causing crises in the first place. More restraint on financial institutions' part could help.

Despite new threats of legal challenges or hopes for structural changes, this agency cannot be wished away. But banks can still influence the size and nature of the role the CFPB will play.

Despite recent sweet talk about building better relationships and regaining trust, few banks are taking meaningful steps to do either. It will take more than sympathetic ads, friendlier tellers or bonus credit card miles. This may require some time in therapy.

Like roaches, op risks hide well, multiply quickly, and should be everyone’s problem to stomp out.

The branch banking model is outdated, and not just because many still use pneumatic tubes at the drive-through lane.

If the only thing preventing a customer exodus is the sheer hassle of switching banks, there is a real danger that one day an enterprising company or competitor will come along and solve that pain point.