Retail & Commercial

The military-focused bank and insurance company has added more personalization and a search tool.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau must take into account the differences among buy now/pay later lenders. Some — including traditional banks — are more committed to offering responsible financing without late fees or hidden costs.

Bank of America joined Wall Street rivals in capitalizing on market volatility in the first quarter while also benefiting from a 10% year-over-year increase in loans.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency recently decided to put an official in charge of the rising number of small and midsize national banks that partner with fintechs or have nontraditional business plans. The agency’s goal is to establish a team that understands cutting-edge technologies and establishes consistent oversight policies in response.

Servicing gains failed to offset steep origination declines at the bank, which continues to battle allegations of racial discrimination.

One year after CEO Jane Fraser launched a business revamp, Citigroup reported lower revenue, higher expenses and a big reserve for loan losses in Russia. Yet the company’s long-term plan to streamline operations and invest in high-performing businesses — all with an aim to strengthen shareholder returns — still appears on track.

The Detroit company’s first-quarter results were highlighted by a 14% increase in car-loan originations. While executives expect credit quality to start normalizing, they also say that demand for vehicles will remain robust, with an estimated 4 million-5 million consumers still waiting on the sidelines.

Citigroup has begun the sales process for its consumer, small-business and middle-market banking divisions in Mexico, though an initial public offering remains on the table.

The Pittsburgh bank had warned that business activity in its capital markets unit was slowing because of economic uncertainty stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But its fee income declined by more than the company anticipated in the first quarter, and looming rate hikes from the Fed will no doubt cut into mortgage income further.

U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo both reported robust business loan volumes during the first quarter, while other large lenders reported smaller gains. Inflation is fueling more spending on technology, and companies are catching up on capital expenditures that they deferred earlier in the pandemic, according to bank executives.