Retail & Commercial

Existing customers are generally praising Square's new flat monthly fee for processing card transactions, but Square's challenge will be winning over business owners who are on the fence about its services.

The regulatory risk from Basel III, Dodd-Frank and other pressures will keep banks from growing, and the economy can't grow, if banks don't.

Prospects for the Visa/MasterCard antitrust settlement received another jolt last week when the Retail Industry Leaders Association weighed in against the terms, joining other influential opponents of the landmark deal.

The consumer agency announced a series of changes in the wake of a key defection.

Jacksonville Bancorp (JAXB) plans to raise up to $50 million by selling securities to a group of investors led by the Florida company's biggest shareholder.

Offer each retail customer the best terms for which he qualifies—and not just for mortgages. Don't count on a second chance to bargain or risk the legal and reputational consequences of offering less than your best.

Independent Bank in Rockland, Mass., has filed a shelf registration to raise up to $125 million.

Tight budgets and industry upheaval have bankers and their lobbyists planning to keep low profiles in Tampa and Charlotte.

First National Community Bancorp in Dunmore, Pa., reported a bigger loss for the first six months of the year compared with 2011 largely because of lower noninterest income.

Community banks should exploit their advantages based on convenience, personal service, local decision making and a relationship model reliant on deep customer knowledge.