Opinions

What initially appeared to be a listening session by a key federal regulator about access to checking accounts has sparked concerns that the agency may be seeking to go much further in dictating how and when banks open accounts for consumers.

The agency is now using Fincen guidance that was designed to make banks and credit unions more comfortable with the pot industry's risks. Such actions are encouraging more banks — but still not many — to do business with this emerging industry.

WASHINGTON — Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Martin Gruenberg said Monday that federal regulators are keeping a close eye on the nonbank financial sector and how it is affecting banks.

A final piece of Bank of America Corp.'s record $16.7 billion toxic-mortgage settlement is being held up by an internal fight at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, said four people familiar with the case.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's report on private student loans should prompt lenders, regulators and universities to take action to help troubled borrowers and prevent future defaults.

Regulators on Friday closed The National Republic Bank of Chicago, the 16th institution to fail this year.

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WASHINGTON — House Republicans are seeking an investigation by an independent watchdog into the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s role in the Justice Department's "Operation Choke Point," which aims to combat illicit businesses by forcing them out of the banking system.

The elections on Nov. 4 are expected to be "the most expensive" mid-term race in history, with banks hoping for Republican control of the Senate in the hopes of enacting some regulatory relief. Following are how much the financial services industry has given and who they've given it to.

WASHINGTON — Regulators issued a proposal on Friday that would require banks to escrow premiums and fees for flood insurance on mortgages made or refinanced after Jan. 1, 2016.