BankThink

Restoring consumer confidence in financial services won't be easy after the latest banking brouhaha, but the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can help by proactively holding all mortgage loan officers to the same federal licensing standard.

While some credit unions have embraced some of the changes and are already reevaluating their underwriting policies in light of it, few — if any — are testing the full limits of the new regulations.

In a move that surely surprised the benighted Wells Fargo, one of its big bank brethren has pledged not to take advantage of the scandal. Go figure.

Strategies include developing formal agreements with partners defining the anti-money-laundering requirements and responsibilities that are expected of them.

Receiving Wide Coverage ...Run on Deutsche?: Deutsche Bank shares were under pressure again Friday morning as several large, influential hedge funds moved to pull their money out of the bank, creating what some fear is a Lehman Brothers-type run. But CEO John Cryan told staff the bank has "strong foundations" and urged them not to be distracted by "distorted perception from outside." He said there are "currently some forces at play in the market that want to weaken this trust in us." Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, New York Times

Mobile wallets are poised to dramatically change the payments landscape, but what is holding them back from seeing more rapid adoption?

The rankings of the Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance include some familiar faces but also plenty of newcomers. We also look at the courage women demonstrate balancing work with their personal lives and a call to action from SEC chair Mary Jo White.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's proposal not only requires lenders to determine a borrower's ability to repay, but also forces creditors to follow the bureau's approach to making that determination.

As the Wells Fargo story has played out, pundits have been quick to blame "sales culture" for improper behavior, but that's like blaming automobiles for reckless drivers.

It's time that financial institutions in America recognize the value that women can bring to the executive suite and boardroom.