Policy & Regulation

WASHINGTON – The House passed a bill Monday by voice vote that could make certain municipal debt securities more attractive to banks.

While most federal banking regulators use enforcement actions as a way to shape industry practices, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking that to a whole other level, frequently using orders as a substitute for new rules or guidelines.

Banks are pessimistic about the quality of commercial and industrial lending in 2016, according to a report released Monday by the Federal Reserve Board.

The marijuana industry is still hampered by its own banking crisis, but the rigidity of federal laws is not stopping all advances in financial services for the sector.

Presidential candidates are known for getting a few facts wrong on the campaign trail. When it comes to offering commentary on banking, this election cycle has seen a fair share of whoppers. Following are a collection of incorrect things asserted by candidates during the 2016 race.

Vantiv will stop processing transactions for its clients in daily fantasy sports amid government claims the sites are violating gambling laws, the New York Times reported Friday.

In an exclusive survey of bankers nationwide, American Banker found that regulatory relief and ensuring fintech companies faced banklike rules were the two top priorities for the industry this year — while taxing credit unions and restructuring the CFPB took a back seat.

Banks' vocal opposition to the National Credit Union Administration's proposal to ease field-of-membership rules overlooks why changes are necessary and long overdue.

Federal and state banking regulators are still struggling with how to come to grips with banks whose clients are heavily involved in digital currencies like bitcoin — and that may be curbing interest from many in the financial industry.

American Banker readers share their views on the most pressing banking topics of the week. Comments are excerpted from reader response sections of AmericanBanker.com articles and our social media platforms.