Banking

But the strong demand for tax credits from those projects is also whittling down the investment returns as their riskiness declines, according to a new report by the New York-based accounting firm CohnReznick.

For all the attention nonbank fintech firms get, they still have a long way to go before winning over key customer segments, such as business banking customers.

A recent tax change will provide more stability to banks and developers that use the low-income housing tax credit program, and the supply of below-market-rate apartments should increase as a result. But it's not enough to create the economic incentives needed to meet skyrocketing demand for affordable housing in the U.S.

While it searches for a permanent deputy director, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has named David Silberman to serve as its acting No. 2 starting next week.

Ohio Valley Banc Corp. in Gallipolis, Ohio, has agreed to buy Milton Bancorp in Wellston, Ohio. The $808 million-asset Ohio Valley said it will pay about $20 million in cash and stock for the parent of Milton Banking Co.

A concept that predated bitcoin itself is becoming more than a thought exercise as blockchains explore ways to harness smart contracts for greater uses.

First Express of Nebraska in Gering and First Wyoming Bancorp. in Laramie have agreed to merge. The companies did not disclose the price of the deal, which is expected to close by mid-2016.

American Banker readers share their views on the most pressing banking topics of the week. Comments are excerpted from reader response sections of AmericanBanker.com articles and our social media platforms.

Maybe disruptors, not bankers, are the ones who need to worry about an abrupt paradigm shift. Though many bankers fear having fintech startups pick off the most profitable parts of their business, history suggests this "unbundling" of banks is a recurring, temporary phenomenon that is generally followed by a period of "rebundling."

Some lenders have asked whether the bureau would adjust its so-called resubmission guidelines — which determine whether lenders have to refile data based on errors found in samples — and it has responded with a request for further industry input.

The Federal Reserve's interest rate increase has commercial real estate debt and equity financing players even more upbeat about their prospects in 2016.

Bank of Oak Ridge in Oak Ridge, N.C., has a successor for its departing president and chief executive.

Mascoma Savings Bank in Lebanon, N.H., is looking for a new chief executive.

Joseph Chillura, CEO of the $3.5 billion-asset USAmeriBank, runs a privately held company that should be an ideal candidate for industry consolidation. While trying to keep an open mind, Chillura seems intent on staying on the sidelines as other Florida banks strike deals.

Authentication methods meant to keep cybercriminals from taking over accounts can also lock out legitimate users. This old dilemma is growing more vexing as cybercriminals get better at impersonating customers and as regulators increasingly push multifactor authentication.

A number of community banks, eager to make inroads with underbanked clients, are looking to offer employer-sponsored payroll loans.

The FTC on Thursday announced it has stopped illegal debt collection tactics of several debt collection operations. The crackdown includes four cases highlighted in Collections & Credit Risk. The FTC issued a statement about the cases to point out the success of Operation Collection Protection.

NCUA on Tuesday said it is partnering with the Missouri Division of Credit Unions and the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance to work with federally insured credit unions affected by the recent severe storms and flooding in the two waterlogged states.

Sen. Richard Shelby's bill changing how regulators gauge if a bank is "systemic" would refocus post-crisis policy on institutions that pose the greatest threat.

Many remain skeptical of the blockchain because it is associated with bitcoin. Eyes glaze over at the details of how it works. Applications for the average bank seem to be distant still. If this is how you think about the blockchain — that is, when you think about it at all — expect to be paying far closer attention soon.