The KBW Bank Index continued its upward trajectory in 2013, again outperforming the S&P 500 (all returns are through Dec. 12). This year, many of the top performing bank stocks among those with $20 billion or more in assets were large community banks rather than the biggest institutions.

JPMorgan Chase is strictly limiting the debit card use of shoppers who used Chase debit cards at Target during the retailer's recent data breach, which took place November 27 to December 15.

Representative Mel Watt, who will leave Congress to become regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, said he will delay a planned increase in the fees the U.S.-owned companies charge to guarantee mortgages.

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Investors Bancorp (ISBC) in Short Hills, N.J., plans to issue up to $2.5 billion of stock as part of its conversion from a mutual to a stock holding company.

Pacific Financial (PFLC) in Aberdeen, Wash., has named a new leader for its bank.

By assessing nearly $100 million in fines and restitution against Ally Financial on Friday, regulators sent a warning shot to all indirect auto lenders that they will be severely penalized if partnering dealerships charge higher interest rates or fees to minorities.

Team Capital Bank in Bethlehem, Pa., has done something few startups of the last decade could boast of: it survived the financial crisis and just sold for $122 million.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has taken disciplinary action against the banking software provider Jack Henry & Associates for failing to get a processing center damaged by Hurricane Sandy up and running in a timely manner.

Palmetto Bancshares (PLMT) in Greenville, S.C., is combining its chairman and chief executive roles.

American National Bankshares (AMNB) in Danville, Va., has tapped one of its executives to become chief banking officer.

Most of the bankers highlighted a year ago made headlines, took bold steps or had successful years. As expected, some bought other banks, rebranded or repositioned their companies for the future.

A recap of the informed opinions (and discussions they generated) on BankThink this week.

More and more banks are ramping up in asset-based lending, even as some fret about increased regulatory scrutiny. In a Q&A, the head of the industry's trade group discusses the latest trends, what's keeping his members up nights and what to look for in the year ahead.

Time Warner Cable Inc. has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company violated the Risk-Based Pricing Rule, which requires creditors to give notice to consumers who are provided less favorable credit terms based on information in their credit reports.

DOWNEY, Calif. -- Financial Partners Credit Union says its "smart" branch in nearby Orange, Calif., is working so well, it plans to open two more just like it.

National Penn Bancshares (NPBC) in Boyertown, Pa., will take a fourth-quarter charge as it closes branches and prepares to move its headquarters.

The Bitcoin community has long dealt with wild fluctuations in the digital currency's value, and as the digital currency has surged to several hundred dollars per bitcoin, more consumers and merchants are adopting the digital currency.

Hudson Valley Holding (HVB) in Yonkers, N.Y., has hired a former regulator to be chief risk officer for its bank.

Bank of Commerce Holdings (BOCH) in Redding, Calif., continued to revamp its executive team by hiring Robert Muttera as chief credit officer.