Washington

U.S. Bancorp automated teller machines are now accepting donations to help the American Red Cross with its disaster relief efforts in Washington and Oregon.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — William Paulen has been named president and CEO of Generations Credit Union here.

WASHINGTON — Small credit unions that deploy a full suite of technology offerings — including remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking — stand a better chance at sustainable growth than those that do not.

Banner in Walla Walla, Wash., reported a big increase in second-quarter earnings thanks to its recent branch acquisitions in Oregon.

Columbia Banking System in Tacoma, Wash., has agreed to buy Intermountain Community Bancorp in Sandpoint, Idaho. The $7.2 billion-asset Columbia will pay $121.5 million, or $18.22 a share, in cash and stock for the $911 million-asset Intermountain.

HomeStreet in Seattle has added more banking experience to its board. The $3 billion-asset company recruited Timothy Chrisman, a former chairman of the Banc of California, to serve as a director.

WASHINGTON — Top lawmakers on the House Financial Services Committee debated the value of the Dodd-Frank Act in dueling reports on Monday, commemorating the financial reform law's fourth anniversary.

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Monday that it is accepting consumer complaints on prepaid cards and other non-bank products such as credit repair services and pawnshop loans.

When it comes to improving credit union board diversity, performing a self-assessment is one of the best practices to consider, according to Jim This, president and co-founder of the Paragon Group, an Olympia, Wash.-based CUSO owned by $894 million TwinStar Credit Union that offers board effectiveness evaluations.

The House of Representatives gave a thumbs-up Wednesday to allowing the marijuana industry into the banking system.

WASHINGTON — Credit unions and NCUA have kicked the tires on the risk-based capital proposal during the first two "Listening Sessions" that have seen healthy — and sometimes heated — exchanges between the regulator and CUs.

Washington Federal (WAFD) in Seattle reported increased quarterly earnings after buying dozens of branches from Bank of America (BAC).

Olympia, Wash. — It only takes six taps on a mobile app for members of Washington State Employees Credit Union to apply for a fast, short-term loan.

WASHINGTON — New policy from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is shedding light on how a Supreme Court decision last year ensuring rights for same-sex married couples applies to financial services regulations.

Northwest Bank in Boise, Idaho, has agreed to buy Regal Financial Bank in Seattle.

WASHINGTON — Checking account interest rates — and fees — are rising, according to a new report from WalletHub.

WASHINGTON — What happens when you mix a cutting-edge payments technology with the newest financial regulator on the block, both of which stir policy passions?

Plaza Bank (PZBW) in Seattle has raised $4.2 million through a stock offering. The $79 million-asset bank said in a press release Thursday that unnamed individual investors participated in the offering.

LAS VEGAS — Credit Union Journal asked CU lending executives to talk about the "new normal" in auto lending, offering insight into the differences to be found in the market today compared to just a few years ago.

LAS VEGAS — The key to successful credit union auto lending programs is to "be there when the members are."