Banking

Traditionally, August can be a wasteland for banking policy wonks as Congress takes a summer recess. But here's why next month could actually be an eventful one.

A Government Accountability Office report on medical credit cards and related products follows a request from lawmakers who have expressed concerns about medical debt and predatory lending against people with no insurance or not enough insurance.

TCF Financial (TCB) in Wayzata, Minn., reported a significant increase in second-quarter earnings as a surge in automobile lending and improved asset quality offset a decline in fees from deposit accounts.

Airbnb’s recent rebranding featured personal narratives from employees and customers as well as stories that emphasized the company’s local roots. Banks can apply these lessons to their own marketing and product development, according to consultant Sam Maule.

The $9.8 billion-asset MB Financial received approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on Thursday to acquire Taylor Capital in Rosemont, Ill.

Total outstanding U.S. auto loans reached a record high of $902.2 billion through April, an increase of more than 10% from the same time a year earlier, according to the latest Equifax National Consumer Credit Trends Report released Thursday.

WASHINGTON — Due to an improving jobs market and better credit conditions, homebuilder D.R. Horton, Inc. is betting the time is right to cater to the first-time homebuyer.

Everyone these days is chasing Apple and Amazon.com. But are the strengths of these brands applicable to the banking industry?

First Niagara Financial Group in Buffalo, N.Y., reported higher quarterly profit after increased commercial and auto lending offset an rise in spending and a decline in fee income.

Hancock Holding in Gulfport, Miss., reported lower quarterly earnings, primarily because of lower returns from its loan portfolio.

Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa., turned strong loan and deposit growth into higher profits last quarter.

Banner in Walla Walla, Wash., reported a big increase in second-quarter earnings thanks to its recent branch acquisitions in Oregon.

City National in Los Angeles reported a sharp rise in profits in the second quarter, fueled by loan growth and an increase in fee revenue.

Iberiabank's quarterly profits jumped due to growth in the Lafayette, La., company's loan portfolio.

BankUnited in Miami Lakes, Fla., reported lower quarterly profit because of rising noninterest expenses and a higher loan-loss provision.

Ion Bank has been using interactive teller machines, which let customers conduct video chats with tellers, for more than a year. The technology has helped some of its branches stay open for business 27 hours longer per week without overspending.

Community Bank of the Chesapeake in Waldorf, Md., has a new chief executive.

A number of community banks reported higher loan-loss provisions during the second quarter despite improved credit quality. For some, the burgeoning trend could be yet another sign that the industry is getting back on track.

Berkshire Hills in Pittsfield, Mass., reported higher quarterly earnings because of loan growth and gains from the purchase of 20 Bank of America branches.

Fifth Third Bancorp took a $17 million impairment charge on properties it owns because it no longer plans to build branches on them. More banks may need to do the same.