Retail & Commercial

The $129 million deal for Rahway-based RSI would give Columbia a stronger presence in Union and Middlesex counties.

The new omicron strain is prompting more financial institutions to extend mask mandates in the workplace and remote work schedules.

Formerly incarcerated people have long faced barriers to entering the mainstream financial system. Banks such as Old National and Bank of Hawaii are taking steps to help them, but the industry can do more, according to a new white paper from the American Bankers Association Foundation.

The agreement resolves a lawsuit over consumer loans that had annual percentage rates as high as 198%. Chicago-based OppFi denied allegations that it engaged in unfair lending practices.

Rohit Chopra, the new director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, announced enhanced monitoring of overdraft programs and said the agency plans to crack down on executives responsible for conduct that violates consumer laws.

The Denver company said it would pay $56 million for Legacy Bank in Colorado and pick up nearly $500 million of assets.

Early next year, the company will become the largest bank to eliminate the fees, which are drawing scrutiny from regulators. Its announcement drew praise from consumer advocacy groups.

Demand for advances from the Home Loan banks has plummeted as the Federal Reserve has flooded the financial system with liquidity. But with a nudge from Congress, these government-sponsored enterprises could remain relevant by broadening their mission and opening membership to more lenders.

The sale could end minority ownership for Alamerica Bank in Alabama, further reducing the number of Black-owned banks in the U.S.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new director, Rohit Chopra, has settled a lawsuit that said a task force assembled by his Republican predecessor was illegal. Here's what it means for his ability to advance a more pro-consumer agenda.