New regulations involving cryptocurrency and the results of key elections will impact the industry's success this year.

Senior loan officers recently told the Federal Reserve that loan demand weakened and underwriting tightened last quarter, but both at a slower pace than three months earlier. They anticipate demand for credit will improve, especially in the back half of the year — provided rates begin to fall.

French payments company Worldline may cut 8% of its workforce, Moneygram advances its digital strategy by hiring four new leaders, Fed issues enforcement action against Peoples-Marion Bancorp and more in our weekly banking news roundup.

Federal prosecutors allege that Shan Hanes, the former CEO of the now defunct Heartland Tri-State Bank, illegally took money from customers to fund cryptocurrency investments. He could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Known by his nickname Buz, John Gorman helped the Conference of State Bank Supervisors launch its nationwide cooperative agreement in 2006 and the National Multistate Licensing System for mortgage lenders two years later.

In a bid for scale and diversification, Illinois-based Empeople Credit Union said it would expand in Wisconsin with the planned acquisition of TSB Bank.

Just weeks ago, prospects seemed strong for bank stocks to regain ground after a volatile 2023. But renewed credit concerns stemming from issues at New York Community Bancorp, and the increasing odds that interest rates will remain high for months, have dampened that outlook.

As virtual assistants become central to banking, financial institutions of all sizes must embrace and leverage this transformation to redefine the customer experience.

The $18.5 billion-asset institution saw member growth increase by 22% year-over-year and fund levels surge in the first six months of last year after deploying a new deposit origination platform.

Car loan delinquencies are worsening across all age groups and income levels, as high interest rates and elevated car prices take a toll, according to the New York Fed. But executives at some large auto lenders remain relatively confident about their customers' ability to stay afloat.

The biggest banks need to get creative about the kinds of products and services they offer, and their efforts to attract a broader customer base.

Artificial intelligence promises to replace a large percentage of entry-level analysts, call center workers and others, while leaving most senior managers untouched.

The San Francisco company entered into a pact with its regulator when it acquired Radius Bank three years ago. "The operating agreement, by design, in some ways slows you down," said CEO Scott Sanborn.

Dogwood State Bank and Community First Bancorp plan an all-stock deal to create a $2.2 billion bank, technology firm Fiserv announces a partnership with the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils, former Texas secretary of state will join Cullen/Frost's board and more in our weekly banking news roundup.

Brandon Milhorn, the new CEO of the Conference of State Banking Supervisors, used the platform offered by his first major speech to sound an alarm against one-size-fits-all solutions emanating from Washington. "The pendulum has swung too far in the direction of federal regulatory uniformity," Milhorn argued.

The embattled bank said it reviewed and then turned down a $3.25-per-share bid from Dream Chasers Capital. Carver called the offer "unrealistically low" given the bank's "intrinsic value."

Challenger banks, like traditional banks, are under pressure to operate with fewer expenses. Artificial intelligence is part of the answer, and the impact on the workforce may be profound.

The Seattle-based buyer now expects to finalize the deal in February, gaining entrance to California and eclipsing $30 billion of assets. The acquisition had initially been slated to close in mid-2023.

Experts predict the number of small businesses turning to an employee-ownership model will accelerate in the coming years. The would mean opportunities for banks that advise on such transitions.