Whether JPMorgan tipped its hand on a succession plan; U.S. Bank hires its first chief digital officer; all eyes on CFPB as it modernizes its debt collection rules; and more from this week’s most-read stories.

Alternative providers like courting new banks. De novos like the modern features many alternative providers offer upfront.

The move is an extension of a pilot project begun in the fall. T-Mobile says it sought to give customers a better deal on digital banking and stand out from its rivals.

A surcharge-free ATM network among credit unions based in Central Texas has helped raise the profile of small CUs there – and some say it’s a strategy institutions in other cities could easily adopt.

Marianne Lake, seen in recent months as a leading candidate to replace CEO Jamie Dimon, got the post she may have needed to round out her resume — consumer lending chief. And Jennifer Piepszak, another rising star at the company, will take over as CFO from Lake.

CEO Andy Cecere acknowledges that other banks have tried to broaden customer relationships and selectively expand into new markets before and struggled. But the sophistication of today’s online and mobile services could make all the difference this time, he says.

Interbrand will work with management of both banks, which have agreed to merge, to create a unified brand and logo.

With branch traffic on the decline, some CUs have taken steps to tweak their facilities in order to help brick and mortar stay relevant in a digital world.

TD and several other banks are licensing credit underwriting and fraud prevention technology from the fintech Avant to get their digital-lending products to market faster.

The findings of a new survey suggest that banks risk becoming irrelevant unless they match the speedier processes that are a key selling point for online lenders.

While NCUA lawyers fielded questions about the possibility of redlining, a three-judge appeals panel showed skepticism about other elements of the ABA's arguments against changes to credit union membership rules.

Bank of America's Brian Moynihan had a lot to brag about in discussing 1Q results but faced questions about what he would do if economic growth slows and rates hold steady for a prolonged period. Other bank chief executives have gotten, or will get, similar questions this earnings season.

The Dallas regional assured analysts that it has ample sources of liquidity to fund its expected loan growth.

Net interest income at the bank's consumer unit rose nearly 10%. But first quarter could be the last hurrah for that catalyst at BofA and other banks as the Fed pauses its rate-tightening cycle.

Karen Andres at the Center for Financial Services Innovation talks about the financial problems of people over 50 and how banks can help.

KeyBank is deploying new technology designed to improve the online and mobile banking experience and to guide branch employees' conversations with customers. The move comes on top of steps to modernize its IT infrastructure.

The investment platform, which is in the early stages of development, will be part of Marcus, the consumer bank Goldman launched in 2016.

MiCommunity Bancorp, which will be Michigan's first new bank since the financial crisis, raised $30 million in initial capital.

Derek White, an alumnus of BBVA and Barclays, will oversee digital innovation across all lines of business at the bank.

Financial education programs have been shown to be largely ineffective. What low-income consumers really need from banks are better products and more tailored advice.