PayThink

The credit union business model (is supposed to be) all about the sharing of Best Practices with other credit unions.

Banks are going to need to make hard decisions to exit some traditional businesses. The question is how to do it to maximize what you get at the exit, and in such a way that remaining businesses can thrive.

Like roaches, op risks hide well, multiply quickly, and should be everyone’s problem to stomp out.

Imposing fees risks further alienation of consumers, raising the stakes on the “dare” to consumers to find other ways to meet their financial needs. And there are new and better ways for banks to make money.

Microsoft insists the online gaming service associated with the Xbox 360 did not experience a security breach despite some U.K. consumers who say they fell victim to a phishing scam tied to the video game system.

At the end of October, the Obama Administration announced changes to the Home Affordability Refinance Program that conceivably will make as many as 2 million more homeowners eligible for refinancing over the next two years. This will lower the default risk for the government sponsored entities and their ultimate backers, the American taxpayers, and should provide some level of economic stimulus.

There is always room to maneuver when a balance sheet number represents "management's best estimate."

Don't count on mobile antivirus programs to provide the same protection that they do for PCs.

Google's flashy new mobile security feature, which lets users unlock their phones with facial recognition, is generally considered less secure than a plain old PIN.

Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America, belatedly rationalized the Bank's announcement of a $5 per month fee for use of debit cards (which was later rescinded) by saying that the fee was "completely clear and transparent." Silly defense for such a grotesque blunder.