Banking

Speedier transactions could make a big difference for a wide range of consumers, from hourly workers to patients waiting for medical insurance claims to clear.

It took a decade and a government mandate for the U.K. banking industry to develop a set of rails to transfer funds from one bank account to another in seconds.

An in-depth look at the key players, challenges and stakes in the effort to modernize the banking system's plumbing, from the editors of American Banker and PaymentsSource.

A quick explanation of why bank customers and regulators are demanding that the U.S. move to a real-time payments system.

The $20 billion-asset Wintrust will pay $17 million in cash for the $108 million-asset North Bank, which serves Chicago's River North and Streeterville neighborhoods.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an enforcement action against a debt collection agency that allegedly threatened borrowers with criminal prosecution and jail time if they failed to pay extra fees for writing bounced checks.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an enforcement action against a debt collection agency that allegedly threatened borrowers with criminal prosecution and jail time if they failed to pay extra fees for writing bounced checks.

Banc of California in Irvine has begun two securities offerings, one of which aims to raise $175 million.

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council issued two warnings today against cyberattacks on financial institutions and suggested ways banks can prepare for new onslaughts.

Pricing in Florida might be ticking higher as the state's economy booms, but some banks are still feeling the effects of the last downturn. Those banks are perhaps perfect candidates for acquirers looking to tap into the recovery.

At a recent conference, industry leaders including Pawlenty of the Financial Services Roundtable and Ellen Richey of Visa spoke of the security basics banks still overlook.

Santander Innoventures Fund says it has earmarked $5 million to Israel-based mobile payment and loyalty provider MyCheck as its first investment.

Bank of America is asking the Justices to overturn lower-court rulings that mortgage loans with a secondary lien on a debtor's asset can be "stripped down" to zero when the collateral is completely underwater. The decision could affect an even wider range of second liens.

Mel Watt, the former North Carolina lawmaker, has earned praise for his cautious approach to guiding the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But critics say he is making it even more difficult to craft a system without them.

Banks have been experimenting with biometrics for decades. (Most) recent initiatives show real promise for self-identification using physical characteristics.

Community Trust Bank in Ruston, La., has bought four branches in Houston from Hancock Holding in Gulfport, Miss.

WASHINGTON — Large mortgage servicers continued to shed delinquencies as overall loan performance improved in the fourth quarter, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said Friday.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling's acquisition, announced Monday, will create the largest national nonprofit network of certified student loan counselors.

The CFPB's proposed reforms for payday and other high-cost loans are both welcome and long overdue. But there are two ways the agency can further improve future requirements.

CardFlex Inc. and its principals have settled charges that they illegally processed more than $26 million in consumer charges on behalf of a company called I Works.