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M&A, economic growth and artificial intelligence are among the leading issues banks will encounter this year, economists said.

The Czech Republic's central bank plans to shift billions of reserves to bitcoin. Plus Australia and the Netherlands crack down on BNPL, and other news from the world of payments.

A survey by American Banker indicates that check fraud is the top fraud concern for banks, especially smaller ones. This is driving spending to prevent it.

The nation's central bank held interest rates steady in its first decision of the year.

The Reno, Nevada-based buyer said it would pay $64.6 million in cash and stock for Cornerstone Community Bancorp, and it expects to close the transaction in the second half of the year.

The National Treasury Employees Union told employees not to respond to the mass email asking federal workers to resign. The chief of staff at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said it is reviewing the directive.

Effective bank leaders recognize that the success of any team relies not just on those in the spotlight but also on the numerous unsung heroes working behind the scenes.

Executives at the Wilmington Delaware-based bank are optimistic about 2025. Its results in the final three months of last year were hurt by an "isolated" incident in its 26-year-old ATM servicing business.

Kedia is scheduled to become the first woman to run the nation's seventh-largest bank by asset size. Some analysts expressed surprise over the timing of the announcement.

Analysts say the termination of a 2022 consent order with the CFPB is a sign that the bank's days under an asset cap may be numbered. But the consumer bureau, still led by Director Rohit Chopra, says Wells is still being scrutinized as a repeat offender.