PayThink

Apple gets it. The way to make things appealing is to make them simple, convenient and valuable for consumers.

Two activist groups want regulators to investigate whether OneWest Bank used philanthropic contributions to win the support of community organizations. But this could set a precedent that would discourage banks from making much-needed donations.

WASHINGTON — With all three member of the NCUA Board talking about reinterpreting statutes related to everything from field of membership rules to access to secondary capital, credit union executives were feeling just a little less under the gun at this year's CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference.

One of the most successful startup banks in a generation is turning over its keys to a California bank. Institutional ownership and the prospect of slower growth may have prompted Square 1 to make the deal.

One of the longest discussions regarding the U.S. EMV migration is the choice of chip and PIN or chip and signature as the card verification method (CVM).

A recap of the informed opinions (and the discussions they generated) on BankThink this week, including the benefits of regulating banks by complexity rather than size and how to make the Fed's stress tests more effective.

Informing banks about the details of stress-test requirements in advance would help mitigate financial institutions' unnecessary costs. And conducting the tests on a quarterly basis would ensure that banks are unable to game the system.

Innovation must be tamed. Let it run wild and risk serious economic consequences, not to mention hefty fines.

Mobile wallets will undoubtedly become more popular with time, but plastic cards won't be easily killed off. We add to payment options to increase security, options and convenience.

There is a leadership void in payments innovation. The Fed has the ability and the historic precedent to take up the mantle.