BankThink

Bernanke's a Hamilton Fan; Teaming with Marketplace Lenders

Cumbersome regulations for prepaid products proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could reduce consumer-friendly market competition, discourage innovation and effectively cut off many Americans’ participation in the digital economy.

Apple realizes that retailers are uniquely well-positioned to encourage mobile payments adoption. That's why the company's decision to start accepting retailer loyalty cards on Apple Pay before launching a loyalty program of its own makes good sense.

Determining regulatory requirements based on banks’ activities rather than their size would liberate old-school institutions from unnecessary burdens without endangering the financial system.

Dimon on Jimmy Lee; Regulators' Biggest Fear

Mobile payments are hot. Industry insiders both hope and fear new technology will upend reigning retail payment systems such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

A recap of the informed opinions (and the discussions they generated) on BankThink this week, including the need to hold bankers accountable for criminal deeds and whether the FDIC's proposed recordkeeping requirement is smart planning or pointless.

Incorporating bill and rental payment data into consumer credit scores would be a boon for underserved Americans. New legislation in Congress could help credit reporting agencies realize this goal.

As NAFCU's members gather in Montreal for the group's annual meeting, SRP FCU CEO Ed Templeton reflects on the insight he has gained during his tenure as NAFCU chairman, and the value the trade association brings to its member credit unions.

If NCUA's risk-based capital proposal is a bitter pill to swallow, credit unions can at least be thankful for the spoonful of sugar the agency is currently working on: revamping the field of membership rules.