Most big companies achieve success by squeezing vendors, lowering prices, improving efficiency and giving consumers what they want. But in the topsy-turvy world of banking, the most disliked financial institutions end up at the top of the food chain.

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Canada's largest lender by assets, said fourth-quarter profit rose 8 percent as earnings from domestic and wholesale banking increased.

At a roundtable with federal and state regulators in Los Angeles this week, bankers offered some fresh ideas about possible regulatory relief. Here is a sampling.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has approved several new rules for debt collectors, including an extended period for consumers to dispute a collection attempt.

In at least three recent instances, trust-preferred investors have filed lawsuits against lenders who either bought or sold banks in transactions designed to bypass such debtholders.

The Oregon bank continues to draw consumers in unexpected ways. Its traveling digital art show, called “Exhibit: Growth," underscores how financial institutions are rethinking the ways they advertise their services.

Depositors at Reading Co-operative in Reading, Mass., approved a plan to make it more difficult for the thrift to convert to a public stock company.

James Ladio, a former chief executive of MidCoast Community Bank in Wilmington, Del., was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in a fraudulent loan scheme.

Recent technological advancements are forcing banks to change the way they do business while staying true to the customer relationships that determine their success.

Target Corp. (TGT) must defend itself against claims that its failure to shield computer systems allowed hackers to steal the account data of millions of shoppers, forcing banks to reimburse fraudulent charges and issue new credit and debit cards.

The comptroller of the currency said regulators will act before the end of a mandated review of potentially outdated rules "when a solid case has been made for reform."

Beneficial Mutual Bancorp has completed the stock-sale portion of its conversion to a wholly stock-owned company, raising between $468 million and $550 million.

The company spent several years cutting costs and exiting troublesome business to stay afloat. This year, however, management has been focused on upgrading branches and offering a small, unsecured loans to lure younger borrowers.

Hills Bancorp. in Hills, Iowa, expects to record a nearly $2 million impairment charge in the fourth quarter.

Initiatives meant to increase access to credit have rekindled the debate over whether housing counseling is the best and most cost-effective way for preparing consumers to become mortgage borrowers.

WASHINGTON — Federal regulators on Tuesday released the latest guidebook for examiners to use in assessing banks' anti-money-laundering programs.

The Bancorp in Wilmington, Del., will have a new chief executive next year.

Seacoast Commerce Bank in San Diego has created a new holding company.

Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa., has increased its earnings estimates for 2014 and 2015 based on changes in its technology strategy.

Mandatory retirement ages and term limits can backfire by forcing out board members with badly needed skills. It's better for boards to take the necessary, though socially uncomfortable, step of convincing underperforming directors to leave.