Retail & Commercial

Roughly 90 banks that participated in the government's lending program still owe money to the Treasury Department and face a massive dividend increase. Many of those could view selling as a better alternative to raising new capital.

Five policy heavy-hitters issued a proposal this week to merge Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into a single government corporation as a way to move beyond the conservatorships of the two government-sponsored enterprises.

The Federal Trade Commission, hoping to strengthen cross-border cooperation on anti-spam and Do Not Call enforcement, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission.

Experts see the British bank's decision to downsize its African stake as another example of money-laundering concerns and other risks prompting institutions to get out of emerging markets.

Jefferson Security Bank in Shepherdstown, W.Va., has promoted Cynthia Kitner from chief financial officer to chief executive.

Diebold acquired enough Wincor Nixdorf shares to complete the purchase of its German rival, a deal that creates a maker of cash machines and systems with more than $5 billion in sales.

Two senior GOP lawmakers are warning regulators against preferential treatment for housing advocates and nonprofits in sales of nonperforming, government-guaranteed mortgages.

JPMorgan Chase has partnered with Starbucks on a branded, prepaid rewards card, expanding its relationship with the coffeehouse chain.

Diebold has acquired enough Wincor Nixdorf shares to complete the purchase of its German rival, a deal that creates a maker of cash machines and systems with more than $5 billion in sales.

Not all energy loans are created equal. For a host of reasons, oilfield services loans are more risky than other types of energy loans, according to Megan Snyder, an analyst with Moody's.