BankThink

The invention of baby carrots transformed Americans' vegetable-eating habits. Banks need to shake up their products and services in a similarly unique way if they hope to differentiate themselves, according to Bill Early of PlumDog Financial.

Some politicians and regulators appear determined to shrink big banks. But doing so could hurt Americans who appreciate big banks' geographical reach and wide range of services, according to financial markets scholar Stephen Matteo Miller.

Countrywide's Mozilo May Face U.S. Suit; BofA to Reach $17B Deal

Evolution is occurring rapidly in mobile payments. While the innovation headlines are being made by the digital innovators and new industry entrants, banks still have a window of opportunity to take strategic advantage and preserve their traditional payments franchise.

Given Americans' heightened concerns over cybersecurity, banks should reconsider the notion of promoting card use for every transaction, according to Douglas Ceto of CetoLogic.

Banks that place too much emphasis on results without understanding the behavior behind it may create a dishonest or overly risky environment, according to consultant David Uhl.

Another AML Hit for Standard Chartered; BofA's Montag Now Sole COO

Amazon's Square-like card reader comes at a very un-Square-like price, undercutting Amazon's competitor by a full 1% per swipe. But that promotion will eventually go away — and when it does, Amazon's merchants might go with it.

Investors will remain reluctant to take on the personal risk inherent in establishing de novo community banks as long as new regulations remain unwieldy and returns stay low, according to Richard Magrann-Wells.

Mixed signals from regulators — on everything from electronic checks to Operation Choke Point - only create fear, uncertainty and doubt among those in the business of improving the payment system, writes Glen Fossella.