A long decline in loan-loss reserves hit a wall in the fourth quarter, as loan growth forced companies to set more cash aside than in recent quarters. An end to reserve releases, combined with higher costs and lower margins, are putting pressure on bankers to boost revenue.

New disclosure rules from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau don't go into effect until this summer, but lenders are already worried about compliance and fearing it may make the closing process far more difficult.

As the Federal Reserve and other entities push toward developing a faster payments system in the U.S., it has become increasingly apparent that a good place to start is through debit networks.

Online marketplace lender CommonBond has announced that Nelnet, an education planning and financing company, has agreed to finance at least $150 million of CommonBond's annual loan volume.

Wells Fargo has agreed to pay $4 million to settle charges that it made secured credit card loans in violation of New York law.

Google Glass, the search giant's eyewear that doubles as a computer, has been discontinued with consumers — for now. Even so, bankers who have experimented with the device say it was time well spent.

The New York Department of Financial Services has published revisions to the agency's proposed framework for regulating virtual currencies.

Beneficial Bancorp in Philadelphia reported higher quarterly profit due to improving asset quality.

Sunshine Bancorp in Plant City, Fla., has agreed to buy Community Southern Holdings in Lakeland, Fla.

Wells Fargo Bank will pay $4 million for credit card-related violations uncovered by a New York Department of Financial Services examination of the bank's former affiliate, according to New York officials.

Banks stayed away from construction lending for years after it collapsed and contributed to the financial crisis. But low interest rates and other factors have gotten some developments off the ground, leading to construction lending's comeback.

The Massachusetts senator wants to induce more competition and diversity in the banking industry and improve the economic prospects of a majority of Americans. Both changes would benefit the financial services sector as a whole.

JPMorgan Chase has launched a multiyear examination of its philanthropic division, providing $10 million to the Urban Institute to study the impact of its charitable initiatives.

A group of Utah-based defendants claiming to be legal experts in loan modifications have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that they broke the law by conning consumers into paying hefty fees for apparently worthless debt relief services.

Two former Sallie Mae executives have started a new student loan financing company.

Most families are on financially unsteady ground even as the national economy appears to be recovering from the recession, according to a new analysis.

It's not enough for bank chiefs to delegate digital responsibilities to younger staffers. Only by understanding the mentality of tech-savvy customers can bank leaders develop smart strategic planning.

The expiration of the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act leaves servicers dealing with a patchwork of state laws and investor rules, while renters living in REO properties are at a greater risk of eviction.

MutualFirst Financial in Muncie, Ind., is facing a proxy battle from two of its investors.

National Penn Bancshares in Allentown, Pa., has agreed to repurchase $75 million of its common stock held by Warburg Pincus.