Community bankers are excited that the Federal Reserve is poised to raise interest rates, which would make loans more profitable — unless rates rise so much they suppress demand.

Overdraft fees have been a reliable revenue source for decades, but the charges have fallen into disfavor amid regulatory scrutiny and competition from neobanks. Here's a look at the steps various large and midsize banks are taking to reduce or eliminate the fees, as well as their plans for what's next.

Few banks have adopted an instant invoicing technology called Request for Pay, but more may get on board to help their customers avoid overdraft charges.

When big banks trim their branch networks, community banks operating in the same markets see a chance to pounce.

DBS Group Holdings agreed to buy Citigroup’s consumer banking assets in Taiwan, as Southeast Asia’s largest lender pushes ahead with plans to boost its regional presence.

The Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC and CFPB — increasingly under the leadership of Democratic appointees — are gearing up to regulate cryptocurrency, modernize the Community Reinvestment Act and give consumers more control of their personal data. Here's a look at the policy changes they're mulling.

James Blake plans to retire in May, culminating a 25-year run at the helm. Joseph Casey, the bank's president, was named his successor.

The Massachusetts bank is purchasing a fellow Bay State institution's pot banking operation and says one of its first steps will be encouraging dispensaries to accept credit and debit cards.

Rohit Chopra, the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, described many charges by banks, credit unions and fintechs as "junk fees" and said they often exceed the cost of providing the service. Several trade groups called Chopra's claims "distorted and misleading."

The North Carolina company will also eliminate nonsufficient-funds fees as it aims to keep pace with larger rivals, including Bank of America, that have revised their overdraft policies.

The expenses jumped 33% last quarter, which was generally in line with trends elsewhere in the credit card industry. The battle for new customers is “intense,” CEO Richard Fairbank told analysts.

Some are eliminating their charges for overdrawn accounts in response to recent reforms by big banks and the consumer-friendly practices of neobank rivals.

Affirm Holdings, known for its buy now/pay later options, beefed up its app as the firm works toward a crypto offering.

After regulators signaled their intention to crack down on banks that lean on the controversial charges, First National Bank Texas adopted a reform. A bank spokesperson said the move was unrelated to any pressure from Washington.

The new service was designed to lower costs for community banks while adding security features and providing customers with access to Venmo and other peer-to-peer payment systems.

A $28 billion agreement with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition could help win regulatory approval for the acquisition of Michigan-based Flagstar Bancorp. The deal was originally expected to close last year.

The Alabama company continues to explore buyouts of add-on businesses, part of a strategy that has already helped recoup dollars lost as a result of reforms to its overdraft practices.

The number of U.S. bank branches dropped by a record 2,927 last year as lenders both large and small sought ways to cut costs and keep pace with a digital transformation sweeping the finance industry.

Grupo Financiero Banorte is seen as the top contender among potential bidders to buy Citigroup’s Mexican consumer banking operations, according to analysts at Credit Suisse Group and Bank of America. 

Executives predict a 5% to 6% bump in lending this year, and they also say they'd be comfortable if up to a third of the Cincinnati company's excess cash migrates away.