Policy & Regulation

Issuers of store-branded credit cards are facing new regulatory scrutiny over big retroactive interest charges that can hit borrowers at the end of a promotional period.

The European Parliament demanded a halt to bank-data transfers to U.S. counter-terrorism investigators because of possible violations of privacy, the latest international outcry over alleged American spying.

Politically connected firms might simply be more willing to participate in government-sponsored programs. Or, perhaps more disturbingly, banks might view their political connections as an insurance policy, which may encourage more reckless or risky behavior.

WASHINGTON — Financial regulators are seeking to establish new standards to gauge the racial and gender diversity policies at companies including everything from employees, customers and suppliers.

Jeff Plagge, the president and chief executive of Northwest Financial in Arnolds Park, Iowa, and the new chairman of the American Bankers Association believes regulation remains a large industry challenge.

Some of the largest U.S. banks said a proposed rule to increase the capital they hold against potential losses is arbitrary and would put them at a disadvantage against non-U.S. banks facing easier requirements.

New York State has slapped Prospect Mortgage with a $3 million fine for misleading homeowners on their interest rates, and has cited the mortgage lender for several other violations of state law.

JPMorgan Chase's acquisitions of Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual during the meltdown were once seen as bargains and more recently second-guessed in light of the bank's $13 billion mortgage settlement. The pain will pay off in the long run, experts say.

As banks improve their fundamentals, they are paying less in risk-based Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. premiums, helping to boost their bottom lines.

Bank of America Corp.'s Countrywide unit fraudulent sold thousands of loans known to be defective to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaimie Nawaday in closing arguments in a lawsuit against the lender.