Millennium Bank in Tennessee has quickened approval times on loan applications by using software that frees lenders from repetitive, manual tasks. The result: Loan balances have increased by more than 50% in less than two years.

KS Bancorp, which is trying to avoid a hostile takeover, may be facing a skirmish with an activist investor over one of its board seats.

Community banks are slowly warming up to the pricey technology to reduce their reliance on branches, speed up transactions and provide convenience for customers.

Research and consumer surveys aren’t the only tools to help banks understand what they need to do. Friends of executives can provide honest feedback as regular customers.

In addition to his highly publicized comments on trade and other political issues, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase used his annual letter to underscore the importance of job training for low-wage workers and call attention to an FDIC proposal that encourages banks to hire workers who have been convicted of minor crimes.

Online account opening and facial recognition features on mobile apps are among the technologies the bank intends to introduce or improve upon this year, CEO Jamie Dimon wrote in his yearly shareholder letter.

Traditional financial institutions would gain from adopting the innovative, consumer-focused mindset Amazon promotes. Hiring executives away from the e-commerce giant could help.

The San Diego company said the deal will bring in low-cost deposits and create a new source of fee income.

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., questioned Bank of America's decision to discontinue free online checking accounts used by many low-income consumers in light of the bank's recent profits and corporate tax cuts.

China’s threat to impose hefty tariffs on dozens of U.S. imports could weaken demand for soybeans, pork and other agricultural products. Here's what that could mean for farmers, ranchers and the banks that lend to them.

Forget ROA and efficiency ratio. When it comes to buying stakes in small banks, many investors are looking at indicators like commodities prices, executives' ages and city-by-city market conditions.

Everytown for Gun Safety says that its recommended guidelines are similar to banks' know-your-customer principles.

Late-payment rates at banks declined in nine out of the 11 consumer loan categories tracked by the American Bankers Association, including credit cards, auto loans and personal loans.

The financial services industry and community reinvestment advocates both praised the Treasury Department’s recommendations for reforming Community Reinvestment Act enforcement.

United Community Banks in Georgia tried hiring Lynn Harton in 2006, but he took another job. They kept in touch, and he's now poised to become the company's CEO.

Marlin will originate and sell equipment loans and leases to Varadero Capital in a move that will provide the lender with a new source of funding.

First International Bank plans to rename the company Kotapay, while expanding services that include handling direct deposit and credit card processing for financial firms.

David Kemper is set to hand the reins over to his son, John, this summer.

The Treasury's recommendations come as federal bank regulators have indicated they will soon release a proposal to reform Community Reinvestment Act policy.

A broad network of financial data, such as utility payments and direct deposits, could help those without established credit histories better obtain loans. It might also help lenders make more accurate underwriting predictions.