Banking

Lincoln Parks at Heritage Bank in Georgia built from scratch its social media following, a digital-only way to open accounts and (in 48 hours) a Paycheck Protection Program lending system. For these and other efforts, Parks is a runner-up for American Banker’s Digital Banker of the Year.

Now that dispersed workforces are expected to be the long-term norm, banks are taking steps to maintain a sense of teamwork and giving managers new training in troubleshooting.

The data aggregator assembled a group of technology companies that has developed a set of security standards for startups. It is open for comment ahead of an anticipated implementation in the second half of next year.

Patriot National Bancorp was exploring a digital pivot, and American Challenger Development Corp. had been seeking a bank charter in its quest to become open an all-digital bank. They decided it was quicker to join forces.

The company’s software analyzes banks’ loan programs and rejections for signs of discrimination.

Year to date Jun. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

On Jun. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

On Jun. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

If the French megabank retreats from the U.S. retail banking market, it would be the fifth foreign-owned company to do so in the past 12 months.

The acquisition of First Sound Bank would give the fintech a lending platform to go along with its deposit-gathering capabilities. It would be BM's first buyout since being spun off from Customers Bancorp last year.

Mainstream lenders have long been reluctant to make short-term consumer loans because the costs involved make them expensive for borrowers. Upstart says its technology will enable partner banks to offer loans at annual percentage rates below 36%.

Bob Gallman has worked in the credit union industry for more than 45 years and has been at the helm of the league since 2017.

The way merchants handle payments is becoming just as important as the actual business they're in, says Jeremy Balkin, global head of innovation and corporate development at J.P. Morgan Payments.

The expectation that people will want social distancing and ever-expanding digital banking options well after the pandemic passes is informing branch architecture at banks and credit unions.

Overall 90 banks earned a spot on American Banker's ninth annual ranking of the Best Banks to Work For. An employee survey is one facet of the selection process.

Americans are changing jobs in record numbers, posing a challenge for all employers. Here's how the Best Banks to Work For are redoubling their efforts to recruit and retain talent.

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union would be one of the first credit unions to pay eligible players on the MSU team to use their name, image and likeness in exchange for endorsements.

In a letter to the agency’s new director, top Senate Democrats recommended policy steps intended to limit mistakes in consumers’ credit files that they said “can ruin lives.”

The purchase of Peoples Banktrust would create the fifth-largest bank based in Georgia’s most populous metropolitan area.

First Busey Corp. is investing in software to eliminate the drudgery of some tasks. But this Best Bank to Work For will judge the success of the tech initiative by employee engagement more so than just efficiency. The goal is to boost morale.