Resources

Are banks destined to become trusted repositories for personal information as some pundits predict or is the notion utter nonsense? That was one hot topic of conversation during a recent Twitter Chat hosted by American Banker on the future of banking. The publication's BankThink editors discuss.

Bitcoin fanatics and skeptics met under the same roof at a recent event in New York. Now that the digital currency is recognized under guidance from Fincen and bitcoin users established a self-regulating organization, entrepreneurs and payments-industry veterans are finding some common ground.

A Bitcoin conference in New York last week drew a motley crowd. There were the expected wide-eyed believers in the digital currency, earnest entrepreneurs building Bitcoin-related businesses, and somewhat more skeptical venture capitalists — but also traditional banking lawyers and anti-money laundering compliance consultants whose services are in hot demand. Startup executives complained about the difficulty of getting (or keeping) bank accounts and state money transmitter licenses. But the technology shows great promise and demonstrates that it is possible to send money as fast and as cheaply as email, even if banks running on legacy systems cannot.

From the Volcker Rule to GSE reform, a number of major banking policy issues remain unresolved as the nation's capital clears out for its annual summer recess. Here's a look at where the policymaking and regulatory agendas stand, the prospects for August surprises and what issues are likely to heat up when the weather cools.

PayPal is sponsoring a hackathon series where mobile app developers have just 24 hours to build an app that will win them a trip to PayPal headquarters to compete for $100,000 at the Battle Hack World Finals.

Wells Fargo has become the latest big bank to halt sales of delinquent credit card debt to outside collectors. The move comes as collections activities face mounting regulatory scrutiny. American Banker editors discuss the evolving landscape and what’s at stake for the industry.