Washington DC

Amazon’s transit-friendly posture should provide momentum for digital ticketing and other subway improvements in Queens, N.Y., and northern Virginia — and if recent history is any indication, Amazon may take an active role in improving that infrastructure.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board is considering a plan to have banks break out charge-offs and recoveries on a year-by-year basis. Bankers fear new systems would be needed to comply.

The agency says lenders lacked the risk appetite, while bankers point to concerns over turnaround times and strict loan terms.

Organizers plan to raise $25 million to $35 million in initial capital to focus on small and midsize businesses in northern Virginia.

Through the "Where We Live" program, the bank will direct philanthropic giving to two wards in the nation's capital and provide financing for affordable housing.

The awards will be handed out in March in conjunction with CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference.

Union Bankshares will gain 15 branches and $2 billion in loans in northern Virginia after it buys Access National.

As NCUA Chairman Mark McWatters heads to Capitol Hill, credit unions are facing new threats at the ATM and CU trade groups are writing big checks in advance of midterm elections.

Some lenders fear a moratorium on new participants, and other restraints, could be the beginning of the end for the agency's Community Advantage program.

Congress is considering additional tax reform, while the NCUA board is taking comments on a proposed rule to ease appraisal limits and more.