November's roundup includes consumer doubts plaguing the reputation of USAA, reviews of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's actions and more.

"Too big to fail" banking giants like to masquerade as community banks when it suits their purposes, but they will never be able to replace real, local bankers with deep ties to their customers.

The Sandy, Utah-based credit union opted to part with its two New Mexico branches to focus on other geographies. At least one expert expects an uptick in branch sales as more credit unions seek to "right-size" their networks.

Median growth among small U.S. lenders was 1.2% for the third quarter. Bankers are hoping lower interest rates will boost demand, but borrowers aren't jumping.

Banks like Fifth Third have increased security measures at their branches, while some potential robbers are turning to cybercrime.

St. Paul, Minnesota-based Bremer Financial agreed to sell for $1.4 billion in cash and stock. It followed a yearslong legal battle between the bank and its largest shareholder that ended with a settlement this year.

The top five community banks averaged a return on average assets of 6.27% as of June 30.

The Columbus, Ohio-based regional launched Lift Local Business in October 2020 with a $25 million ceiling. Four years and $133 million later, the program is still going strong.

Analysts say lenders' shares could rally on deregulation, lighter tax burdens and a resurgence of M&A. Declining interest rates and lower loan losses could further bolster bottom lines and attract investor interest.

The Federal Reserve issued an enforcement action against the former head of Heartland Tri-State Bank, who embezzled millions of dollars after falling victim to a crypto scam.

Amid steady customer growth, USAA's banking arm failed to make the investments necessary to satisfy either its regulators or some decades-long customers. Changes in the executive suite haven't fixed the problems.

A new chief risk officer was among the appointments announced Wednesday, as CEO Michael Rhodes began to put his imprint on Ally.

As banks continue investing in technology to boost productivity, they aren't losing sight of their call centers' human sides. Even as AI grows in importance, agents are more important than ever

Banks solved the issue of consumer data sharing years ago. Why is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau stepping in now, with a rule that could make sharing data less safe and secure?

Lower borrowing costs, reduced exposure to the urban office sector and flattening vacancy rates could collectively save lenders from beleaguered corners of the commercial real estate market.

Goldman Sachs' global head of digital assets said plans for the new company are in the early stages, but the long-term goal is to execute the spinoff within the next 12 to 18 months.

Some lenders are once again hiring mortgage lenders, but memories of the painful staffing cuts they were forced to make over the past two years remain top of mind.

Agriculture lenders expect more than a third of their borrowers to lose money this year, a development that could result in credit quality deterioration and impacts on banks' bottom lines.

Customized perks, AI-driven solutions and even freelance employees are all in play at banks as human resource managers confront the challenge of recruitment and retention.

The Arkansas Republican, who could be the next chairman of the top banking panel in the House, could find some areas of agreement with Democratic Senate Banking Committee ranking member Elizabeth Warren on issues like failed bank resolution reform.