BankThink

Bankers Warned at New York Fed; Watt's Mortgage Plan

As the payments industry becomes increasingly commoditized, it faces new challenges. Among the biggest hurdles is how to keep customers loyal.

Many have predicted that banks will be unwilling to accept the additional risks associated with non-QM lending. But a recent survey suggests that some lenders are dipping their toes into the waters.

The federal government's unlawful sweep of Fannie and Freddie profits has sent a clear message to private capital: There's only downside to being the government's partner in a time of crisis.

The End of QE Approaches; Apple Pay Debuts

Apple Pay is a watershed moment that will do more to stimulate mobile commerce than the sum of all previous efforts. But it also has an impact on branding that should make it part of a broader mobile menu for banks and retailers.

As the CFPB focuses on the screening processes that banks use to vet checking account applications, regulators should try to maintain a balance between safety and soundness concerns and consumer protection.

Credit unions are increasingly investing in newer software and technologies. In fact, research shows that more than a third of credit unions in the range of $50 million to $100 million now have mobile apps.

Last week, a D.C. District Court Judge struck down a lawsuit brought by shareholders in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who had been seeking to stop the government from taking the profits from the two agencies.

Earlier this year, Credit Union Journal invited credit unions of all sizes from across the nation to participate — at no cost — in a study conducted for us by the Best Companies Group, which yielded the ranking we feature in this issue's Special Report.