Washington

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."

Complete Financial Solutions, a mortgage and financial services company in Spokane, Wash., has agreed to buy American Patriot Bank in Greenville, Tenn.

HomeStreet (HMST) in Seattle has sold servicing rights to about $3 billion in single-family mortgages to SunTrust Banks (STI) in Atlanta.

WASHINGTON — On the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Federal Credit Union Act, the White House delivered a message from President Barack Obama Thursday praising CUs for the "vital" role they play in the economy and in the lives of Americans.

Umpqua Holdings (UMPQ) in Portland, Ore., will close 27 branches by the end of this year as part of its integration of Sterling Financial in Spokane, Wash.

The U.S. Supreme Court told a lower court Monday to take another look at a ruling that allowed NCUA to sue a group of banks for allegedly deceiving investors about mortgage-backed securities.

WASHINGTON — CUNA is urging the Senate to take action soon and approve the nomination of J. Mark McWatters to a seat on the NCUA board.

WASHINGTON — House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's stunning defeat in Virginia's Republican primary Tuesday evening could usher in a new political era for the House — one that's likely to leave its imprint on the credit union community and the banking industry.

WASHINGTON — CUNA has named Mike Schenk interim chief economist to support Bill Hampel, who has temporarily vacated that post to serve as the trade group's interim president and CEO.

WASHINGTON — For the first time in weeks, both chambers of Congress are in session, and they're taking a hard look at regulatory relief efforts.

WASHINGTON — Lenders across the country reported increased demand from consumers and businesses, continuing a prevailing trend from earlier this year, according to a Federal Reserve report.