Major U.S. banks shaved about $21 billion from their tax bills last year — almost double the IRS’s annual budget — as the industry benefited more than many others from the Republican tax overhaul.

Thanks to big tech companies, the business world is moving to third-party platforms, or online marketplaces where buyers pull sellers' products off digital shelves. A growing number of financial institutions — including BBVA, Citi and community banks like Eastern — say they can't afford to sit out the trend.

The combination of their convenient branch networks and strong digital offerings makes large, national banks tough to beat in dispensing financial guidance, consumers say.

The leaders of the biggest U.S. banks are likely to be summoned to face questions from the Financial Services Committee, an early sign that the financial industry will endure tougher scrutiny under a Democratic-controlled House.

Readers weigh in on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's payday rule, consider the gender wage gap in banking, debate restrictions to membership at the Federal Home Loan banks and more.

For thousands of government employees, credit card bills are coming due for travel and other expenses they incurred before the shutdown.

"I don't and I never would discount the European banks," Citigroup Chief Executive Officer Michael Corbat said in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "Don't overestimate the U.S. banks' position, and don't underestimate the European banks' position."

Citi is the first to share its unadjusted pay gap and lays out its goals for improvement. Bankers will be getting to know the progressive female freshmen who are storming D.C. a lot better. Plus, lots of fintech people moves and Gillette's take on toxic masculinity.

In letters to the Treasury secretary and CEOs of the largest banks, the Massachusetts Democrat questioned why Mnuchin was trying to quell liquidity fears that had not previously been mentioned by regulators.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren questioned the five largest U.S. retail banks in a letter on what they are doing to reduce the impact of the government shutdown on customers.