The total balance of new first mortgages originated in 2015 reached $1.82 trillion, a year-over-year increase of 42.9%, while the total number of new first mortgages originated in that same time was 7.71 million, an increase of 31.6%, according to Equifax.

A lawsuit filed by three former Hawaii Community College students last year, aimed at recovering hundreds of thousands of allegedly wrongfully collected student fees, is now set to be heard in May.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's agenda is so packed it's no wonder that when Director Richard Cordray testifies on Capitol Hill, he has to tackle a huge array of subjects. Following are areas where the agency has proposals or final rules outstanding:

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit will hear oral arguments Tuesday about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's structure, in a case that has national implications. Even though a ruling isn't expected until the end of the year, legal experts say there are four major legal issues involved.

First Business Financial Services in Madison, Wis., has appointed David Seiler as chief operating officer. The $1.8 billion-asset holding company said Seiler will start in the newly created role on April 18.

Kearny Financial completed its IPO less than a year ago and already it has found itself in the crosshairs of Lawrence Seidman. The well-known activist is pushing for the resignation of several board members he says are overcompensated and is urging shareholders to vote against a proposal on director pay this fall.

First Midwest Bank in Itasca, Ill., announced Friday that it has hired Jo Ann Boylan, formerly of MB Financial Bank in Chicago, as chief information and operations officer.

Credit Union Service Centers of Alabama will pay a patronage rebate and dividend for the fifth consecutive year.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's experiments with selling credit risk to investors are a critical element of new plan to merge the two entities and move them out of conservatorship, but what form so-called credit risk transfers take could make a big difference.

Citizens National Bank in Henderson, Texas, has agreed to buy Kilgore National Bank in Kilgore, Texas.

Federal rules for technology-based firms providing the fast-moving sector certainty and consistency would be a benefit, even if rules are suboptimal.

The findings from the California Department of Business Oversight, which also included data on interest rates and delinquencies, could be a precursor to new state regulations.

CFPB Director Richard Cordray testified before a U.S. Senate committee Thursday and was questioned about the bureau’s recent report stating service members complaints are nearly twice as likely to be about debt collection compared with the general population.

A New York man who claimed a collection agency and law firm illegally garnished his wages under a state court default judgment cannot pursue federal claims against the firms, according to a ruling Thursday.

Hampton Roads Bankshares in Virginia Beach juggled a search for a new chief executive while also arranging for its eventual merger with Xenith Bankshares in Richmond, Va.

U.S. household borrowing climbed in February compared with January, supported by financing for automobiles and college education.

American Banker readers share their views on the most pressing banking topics of the week. Comments are excerpted from reader response sections of AmericanBanker.com articles and our social media platforms.

The bank says the partnership will improve the online experience for borrowers. It is just the latest example of banks and online lenders teaming up to speed up decision-making and win over new customers.

Edward Duffy, who was chairman of the holding company for the former Marine Midland Bank in Buffalo, N.Y., has died. He was 89.

Speaking before the Senate Banking Committee, CFPB Director Richard Cordray said fintech companies should be held to the same standards as depository institutions. At the hearing, Cordray fielded questions on payday loans, indirect auto lending and regulation by enforcement rather than rulemaking.