There must be a concerted effort to open the way to successful homeownership to more Americans. This should include encouraging shorter-term mortgages so low down payment borrowers build equity faster.

Wells Fargo, the largest U.S. home lender, reported a 24% rise in fourth-quarter earnings as the bank boosted lending and squeezed more income out of rising revenue.

The $11.5 billion-asset subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation (UMPQ) said Thursday that its private banking arm will expand service to Seattle and San Francisco.

Old Dominion National Bank of North Garden, Va., has struck a deal to raise funds from an investor, contingent on the success of a private placement.

The $196 million-asset bank in Mt. Dora, Fla., said Thursday it has opened a branch in Orlando that continues its commitment to the environment.

Unlimited TAG insurance of noninterest-bearing deposits ended with 2012. Any shifting of cash from banks to money market funds has been modest so far.

American Express announced a series of unexpected expenses that will crimp earnings, including a $342 million charge relating to rewards points.

Hanmi Financial announced Wednesday that it has hired an advisor to help it explore strategic alternatives. Observers say the recovered lender could be a hot ticket, fetching between $16 to $20 per share.

The CFPB released rules Thursday that ban certain fees for modifying high-cost loans and expand the universe of loans protected by federal limits.

More than two billion people worldwide do not have a bank account, but do have a mobile phone, making the device a direct conduit to an underserved demographic.

American Samoa has only one bank left after Bank of Hawaii announced it would leave. A group led by Afimutasi Gus Hannemann is working to bring others to the tiny island territory.

Hingham Institution for Savings in Massachusetts (HIFS) will soon have an island outpost.

Community banks are likely to look at trimming more costs in 2013 as investors insist on improved efficiency.

Southern Bancorp in Arkadelphia, Ark., has hired a sitting state legislator to become its chief executive.

PNC Bank and Charter One Bank have each named new regional presidents for Illinois.

Donna Goodrich, new chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, promises to represent banks of all sizes — not just bigger ones like BB&T — and says FHLBs could be pivotal to housing reform.

The elimination of a requirement that ATMs have physical placards notifying users of any fees should end a wave of litigation against banks and credit unions.

Mortgage loans bolstered the Bank of South Carolina in the fourth quarter.

Royal Business Bank in Los Angeles has agreed to acquire Los Angeles National Bank in Buena Park, Calif.

Washington Federal, a $13.3 billion-asset thrift, said Thursday that it will provide $250 million over the coming five years for community development in Oregon.