Banking

Apple Inc. changed its policy to let software developers include virtual-currency transactions in their applications, paving the way for new forms of money like bitcoin to appear on iPhones and iPads.

Xapo says its Bitcoin debit card will start rolling out by the end of June, and it will be accepted anywhere by using the rails of a card network, interchange fees included.

Central Pacific Financial (CPF) in Honolulu has appointed Raymond Wilson as its chief risk officer.

A key member of United Financial Bancorp's management team has departed a month after the company's merger with Rockville Financial.

Downs, Kan., has had two locally based banks for many years, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s website. One dates to 1892, and the other to 1919.

BofI Holding (BOFI) in San Diego, the parent of BofI Federal Bank, is mourning the passing of Jerry F. Englert, a company founder and member of the board of directors.

Bank revenues from underwriting leveraged loans may decline as regulators step up scrutiny of underwriting standards, according to Keefe, Bruyette & Woods.

KeyBank in Cleveland has created a new checking account that eliminates fees for customers who agree not to write checks and do not expect the bank to cover their overdrafts.

Wells Fargo, the biggest U.S. residential lender, has stopped offering most customers the interest-only version of its home-equity line of credit.

A group of investment firms has forced American Bancorp. into liquidation over unpaid trust-preferred debt. Creditors have threatened to go this route before but this is the first time any have followed through, serving as an ominous precedent for the up to 300 banks in danger of defaulting on the hybrid securities.

Mercantile Bank (MBWM) in Grand Rapids, Mich., has finally completed its acquisition of Firstbank (FBMI) in Alma, Mich.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Interpol and government agencies from several European countries reportedly have taken control of two computer networks allegedly used by hackers to steal banking information.

Deposits and assets have fallen, and some customers and employees have fled, while Hudson City in Paramus, N.J., has been stuck in an M&A limbo. But the situation might save buyer M&T Bank some headaches later — if it can just close the deal.

More than 40% of the 2 million recently modified mortgages facing interest-rate resets are underwater, according to Black Knight Financial Services data.

NCR Corporation (NCR) has launched tablet-based retail banking software designed to enable bank tellers to connect faster and in a more personalized way with customers.

Innovative branch design and technology won't win the day alone. Finding the right manager and staff is still the key factor in creating a thriving branch.

Astoria Federal Savings (AF) in Lake Success, N.Y., has changed its name to Astoria Bank.

Los Alamos National Bank in New Mexico named community banking veteran John S. Gulas as its next chief executive officer.

A payday lending operation affiliated with a Native American tribe is liable for engaging in deceptive practices and violating federal law by failing to disclose loan terms, U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro in Las Vegas has ruled.

A new law in Connecticut is designed to reduce unsolicited commercial phone intrusions by banning text messages.