Resources

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau appears close to clamping down on fees on account overdrafts and payday loans. That's left some observers fearful low-income consumers will end up losing access to financial services many count on to make ends meet.

It's been a buoyant year for stocks but not for bank deals. Regulatory uncertainty and a failure of buyers and sellers to come to terms on price continue to stymie activity. American Banker staffers discuss whether the market is getting closer to taking off and why some big investors have been selling.

Tech startups are gunning to compete with banks by providing financial services to low-income and other underserved customers. Many of the offerings provide me-too services with limited appeal, however, rather than attractive innovations.

The Libor scandal ensnared a number of big banks and has heightened concerns that other indices are vulnerable to similar manipulation. That has led regulators to caution against such activity and indicates financial institutions would do well to ensure their risk management and compliance staffs are on high alert.

Congress is pushing ahead with legislation aimed at requiring financial institutions to share information about cyber threats. Banks are pushing back, however, over fears that they'll get caught between new disclosure requirements and demands that they protect customers' privacy.

Momentum is building on both sides of the aisle for significant reform of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. American Banker staffers discuss what's behind the Senate's rare show of bipartisanship.