Retail & Commercial

The sales pitch behind many mobile payment systems is convenience, but some companies are learning that when a payment system becomes too convenient, the backlash can last for years.

Within five years, companies in the card business will have to choose a new label for their trade, especially if they embrace current technology and trends.

The well-connected consulting firm has hired Joe Petro, a former Secret Service agent who ran Citigroup's security and investigative services for 20 years. Citi has replaced him with Brian Parr, another prominent agency veteran.

The Georgia community bank converted its 300+ staff to Google Apps for Business, signaling a continuing, albeit slow, trend of banks going to the cloud for email service.

Housing counselors grilled mortgage settlement monitor Joseph A. Smith on why banks are not disclosing data that would show whether communities hit hardest by the foreclosures crisis are getting the bulk of the relief.

Organic loan growth and expense control are the top priorities at F.N.B. and People's United, but their CEOs also eager to accelerate expansion in markets where they are relative newcomers.

Healthier sellers are searching for growth partners instead of saviors, and buyers seeking greater density in their current markets are ready to oblige.

Rep. Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the House banking panel, signaled her support for two key credit union bills to expand business lending and access supplemental capital.