PayThink

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is receiving slack from U.S. payday lenders after a recent report concluded the industry "traps consumers in a cycle of debt," writes American Banker's Kevin Wack.

If they get on their high horse, bankers risk coming off as disingenuous. Concentrate instead on developing products that will help consumers meet a specific financial goal.

American Banker Magazine Editor in Chief Heather Landy responds to the charges and examines the possible evidence of her own unconscious bias.

Accounting rules require banks to drain reserves when loan losses are low and build them up when problems abound, amplifying booms and busts. Allowing a long-run view of losses in setting reserves would improve financial stability.

Sen. Tim Johnson, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, and Rep. Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, have remained mum over the renewed push to end "too big to fail", which has garnered attention recently from prominent lawmakers, regulators and pundits.

We must help carry forward the traditions of relationship banking while stressing the importance of technology adaptation and modern leadership.

When we create cultures in which higher-ranking managers become insulated from ever facing a "yes" or "no" from a customer, our leaders lose a little perspective.

In an effort to lift compliance burdens on small banks, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau revised its final rule on international money transfers.

The debate over whether commercial firms should be allowed to own a bank may be renewed as Dodd-Frank's retailer bank ban is due to expire in July.

Accelerate consumer adoption, refine the value proposition, align perception with values and begin planning for the next round.