Americas

WASHINGTON — A smaller percentage of U.S. households were unbanked in 2013 compared with two years earlier, just as less traditional financial services products such as prepaid cards grew in usage among those without a bank account.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is slated to hear arguments Tuesday in a case that could determine when and how borrowers are allowed to cancel their mortgages.

Profits at United Bankshares soared in the third quarter thanks largely to a recent acquisition, but credit quality weakened slightly as several commercial borrowers struggled to repay their loans.

JESUP, Ga. — The $56 million Altamaha Federal Credit Union has selected core processor provider Sharetec System to provide its new core system.

First United Bank in Durant, Okla., has agreed to acquire First American Bank in Purcell, Okla.

Fifth Third Bancorp in Cincinnati plans to remain in the business of providing mezzanine finance, even though a rival investment management company has hired four of its lenders.

Park Sterling in Charlotte, N.C. reported lower quarterly earnings as integration costs for a recent acquisition overshadowed solid loan growth.

The Florida company's business plan relies heavily on consolidation, but management hasn't announced a deal in more than two years. CEO Gene Taylor recently told analysts that M&A remains a focus, but the company will no longer discuss the topic until it has something to announce.

Apple Pay scooped up one million payment cards in its first 72 hours, 60% of which were Visa cards, but MasterCard's chief executive still expressed optimism for the payment network's chances in the rapidly shifting mobile landscape.

Pacific Commerce Bank in Los Angeles has agreed to buy Vibra Bank in Chula Vista, Calif.