Special Program Root Tag

Two long-awaited developments — the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's data access proposal and the Federal Reserve's faster payments network debut — are slated for next year. The combined effect on consumer banking might be more consequential than we now know.

Banks and other lenders revived special-purpose credit programs after racial-equity protests in 2020 prompted them to reexamine their services for historically underserved groups. Now they're taking those initiatives nationwide.

The U.S. should look abroad for innovative solutions to the problem of assessing the creditworthiness of borrowers with little formal credit history.

The sharpest run-up in rates seen in over three decades slashed mortgage origination volumes, and contributed to a volatile market environment, but had some cyclical benefits for servicing.

In his first American Banker interview since becoming CEO two years ago, Thomas Cangemi talks about the company's transformation into a full-service commercial bank now that it has completed its twice-delayed acquisition of Flagstar Bancorp.

The National Credit Union Administration will soon name a director for its Office of Financial Technology and Access, which Hood — a board member and former chairman of the agency — created. He explains in an interview why the office's work is a priority.

The companies, which reach thousands of merchants, recently launched environmental programs that use a network effect to cut carbon emissions.

Rohit Chopra, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, said the bank is "not making rapid progress" and hinted at the possibility of additional restrictions. But analysts saw positives for Wells in the $3.7 billion consent order.

A shareholder group that is pushing the nation's largest banks to conduct racial equity audits criticized JPMorgan Chase's effort, while giving a more favorable review of a Citigroup report. Banks small and large launched racial equity initiatives in 2020 in the wake of protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd.

In a joint review published Friday, the Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. found problems with two foreign banks' bankruptcy resolution plans.

In a sprawling consent order, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau order cited mismanagement that extended from auto loans to mortgages and deposit accounts. Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf called the agreement a critical milestone to "put these issues behind us."

Changes that began at individual banks in 2021 gained steam this year, as many large and midsize banks reduced their reliance on overdraft-related charges. Federal and state policymakers were key catalysts of the sea change.

Banks, fintechs and credit unions are cautiously investing in technology and customer experience as next year's economy remains uncertain.

Dicier credit conditions, recession fears and tougher regulatory scrutiny combined to weaken merger activity in 2022. A push for scale is bound to resume when interest rates level off — at least among smaller banks, analysts say.

The business being sold to Madison Dearborn Partners provides trustee and administrative services to asset managers and retirement plans.

Centralized development programs for new companies provide access to potential clients and investors.

Banks, fintechs and advisors are cautiously pushing investments next year to keep up with industry expectations.

Many believe the Federal Reserve will slow down rate increases beginning in December.. Steve Friedman, senior macroeconomist at MacKay Shields, will join us the day after the meeting to discuss what was done and what he expects in the future.

Blair will succeed longtime executive Kessel Stelling as chairperson of the bank's board of directors after joining Synovus in 2016 and moving into the CEO position last April.