Policy & Regulation

A federal judge has silenced — at least temporarily — a whistleblower who brought charges of misconduct at the parent company of Bank of Internet USA in San Diego.

WASHINGTON — More than one hundred House Democrats sent a letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray on Wednesday calling for the agency to strengthen its proposal to rein in payday lending.

The Department of Justice wants banks to more fully cooperate with civil investigations. Companies now are expected to "materially assist" the agency in providing documents, access to witnesses and even inculpatory documentary evidence such as emails and text messages.

Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen testified for the second consecutive year on regulatory issues, touching on the Fed's stress tests, banks' ownership of commodities, the fate of Wells Fargo and whether the central bank acts in a political fashion.

WASHINGTON — Members of the Senate Banking Committee introduced legislation Wednesday that would make municipal debt securities more attractive to banks.

ST. LOUIS – Risk management is critical as small banks aim to make money in a low-rate environment.

The Wells Fargo cross-selling controversy has raised questions about its well-telegraphed succession plan. Tim Sloan, the company's president, has been the heir apparent, but his longtime association with Wells could be a problem if investors or regulators push for an outsider to overhaul the corporate culture.

Comptroller of the Currency Thomas Curry provided new details Wednesday about guidance expected soon that will attempt to discourage banks from cutting off relationships with foreign financial institutions in certain parts of the world.

CU Bancorp in Los Angeles has agreed to a consent order to address deficiencies in its Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering compliance program.

If stories like the Wells Fargo scandal are repeated at other institutions, U.S. banks could soon experience the same reputational and regulatory fate of their cousins in the United Kingdom.