Speculation has mounted that Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending, is under consideration to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency. His nomination would be an endorsement of proposals to treat Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in a similar way as publicly regulated power or water companies.

The consumer app, which was originally distinct from the company's merchant network, can now be used to pay via a QR code.

The wireless network will send digital request-for-payment messages, which can be paid immediately over The Clearing House's network from a Citigroup account.

The deal to buy Happy Bancshares enables Arkansas-based Home to expand into Dallas and Austin and could provide a springboard for more acquisitions in the Lone Star State.

The California bank historically lost technology industry clients as their needs became more complex. That could change now that it has hired 10 senior bankers and plans to recruit more.

Mike Warrell most recently headed Solano First Federal Credit Union in California.