Banking

November's roundup includes consumer doubts plaguing the reputation of USAA, reviews of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's actions and more.

"Too big to fail" banking giants like to masquerade as community banks when it suits their purposes, but they will never be able to replace real, local bankers with deep ties to their customers.

The Sandy, Utah-based credit union opted to part with its two New Mexico branches to focus on other geographies. At least one expert expects an uptick in branch sales as more credit unions seek to "right-size" their networks.

Median growth among small U.S. lenders was 1.2% for the third quarter. Bankers are hoping lower interest rates will boost demand, but borrowers aren't jumping.

Banks like Fifth Third have increased security measures at their branches, while some potential robbers are turning to cybercrime.

The National Credit Union Administration lacks the authority to regulate third-party vendors that supply vital services to the industry. This creates a major risk to credit union customers and the broader U.S. economy.

St. Paul, Minnesota-based Bremer Financial agreed to sell for $1.4 billion in cash and stock. It followed a yearslong legal battle between the bank and its largest shareholder that ended with a settlement this year.

Andy Sieg, head of Citi's wealth business, says retention bonuses are part of his growth strategy.

The top five community banks averaged a return on average assets of 6.27% as of June 30.

The Dallas bank's new CEO, Thomas Shafer, served in top roles at a number of banks that were subsequently acquired before he stepped away from the industry in 2022.

The Columbus, Ohio-based regional launched Lift Local Business in October 2020 with a $25 million ceiling. Four years and $133 million later, the program is still going strong.

The Federal Reserve released additional information about its periodic review of its monetary policy strategy, tools and communications framework; TD Bank Group announced Michelle Myers will succeed Anita O'Dell as global chief auditor; Provident Financial Services will expand its commercial lending team; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

Canada's banking regulator is beefing up its rules on corporate culture, saying that it expects executives and boards to be accountable.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra said the FICO credit-scoring model has drawbacks in price, predictiveness and market competition, and stakeholders should develop a more open-sourced model that uses artificial intelligence.

Analysts say lenders' shares could rally on deregulation, lighter tax burdens and a resurgence of M&A. Declining interest rates and lower loan losses could further bolster bottom lines and attract investor interest.

The Federal Reserve issued an enforcement action against the former head of Heartland Tri-State Bank, who embezzled millions of dollars after falling victim to a crypto scam.

Amid steady customer growth, USAA's banking arm failed to make the investments necessary to satisfy either its regulators or some decades-long customers. Changes in the executive suite haven't fixed the problems.

A new chief risk officer was among the appointments announced Wednesday, as CEO Michael Rhodes began to put his imprint on Ally.