Consumers cut back on their credit card use for the second straight month in February but increased borrowing on student loans and auto loans by the largest amount in a year.

Santander Bank in Boston has appointed Jerry Plush as chief financial officer of its U.S. holding company Santander Holdings USA, and Maria Tedesco as managing director of retail banking for Santander Bank.

F.N.B. Corp. (FNB) in Hermitage, Pa., has agreed to buy OBA Financial Services (OBAF) in Germantown, Md.

A former Arkansas bank executive has been accused of committing fraud in order to conceal losses on a $1.5 million loan.

MainSource Financial (MSFG) in Greensburg, Ind., has agreed to buy MBT Bancorp in West Harrison, Ind.

Citigroup agreed to pay $1.13 billion to settle claims from mortgage-bond investors as it seeks to curb liabilities tied to the financial crisis. It took a $100 million first-quarter charge.

Specialty retailer American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) has renewed its retail credit card agreement with General Electric Capital Retail Bank.

Wintrust Financial (WTFC) in Rosemont, Ill., has agreed to buy the Pewaukee, Wis., branch of The National Bank.

The Federal Reserve's retail payments office announced Monday that it "fully supports" the most recent push within the banking industry to speed up electronic payments.

Two trade groups publish new guidelines designed to help banks and processors stay out of authorities' crosshairs.

An big investor in SWS Group (SWS) has objected to the Dallas company's planned sale to Hilltop Holdings (HTH).

Four Oaks Fincorp (FOFN) in Four Oaks, N.C., could purge up to $50 million in assets with help from its newest investor.

Graduate school financing with high balances are driving the overall growth of the nation's student-loan debt.

After a year in which bankers have voiced steady opposition to the qualified mortgage rule, more than a third now say they will make non-QM loans in targeted markets, a major reversal from the industry's past stance.

Legislation in Louisiana aimed at making payday loans cheaper for borrowers failed Monday in a House committee.

NorthSide Bank in Adairsville, Ga., has hired a new president and chief executive.

Solera National Bancorp (SLRK) in Lakewood, Colo., says it tried unsuccessfully to resolve a dispute with its biggest shareholder.

The National Association of Realtors estimates that the Federal Housing Administration's 1.35% annual premium stopped at least 125,000 renters from buying a home last year.

Arizona's attorney general quietly rehired his former spokeswoman to lead the state's Collections Enforcement Unit, a move that could lead to political fallout.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is facing mounting problems over racial disparities in its hiring and performance evaluation practices, which have drawn criticism and Congressional scrutiny. American Banker reporters discuss what's next for the CFPB and its critics, and what Director Richard Cordray could do to improve his agency's situation.