The institutionalization of peer lending is pulling banks into more competitive bidding for loans as originators expand into newer and untested asset classes, such as online real estate loans.

The banking associations in Virginia and West Virginia have, for now, called off discussion about creating a single trade group.

Deposits surged despite all the challenges in banking, according to the FDIC's latest Summary of Deposits. However, underneath that upbeat number are a lot banks and thrifts that are suffering and a few that are capitalizing on the chaos. Here is a slideshow with the highlights and lowlights.

While year-to-date auto loan growth rates have slowed compared to last year, totals for new credit and the number of new loans originated for auto purchases are at record highest, according to a new report.

A sweepstakes operator that took millions of dollars from consumers throughout the U.S. and dozens of other countries - including Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Japan - is banned from the prize promotion business under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.

The gradual improvement in Americans' financial situations has led to a record low level of delinquency rates.

For the first time since December, banks appear to be holding the line when negotiating rates on consumer and commercial loans. The tradeoff, however, has been decelerated loan growth.

The order is part of a settlement with the company's owner in an unrelated fraudulent payment processing case.

A gradual improvement in consumers' financial situations has led to even lower delinquency rates in several consumer lending categories, the ABA said in its latest quarterly survey.

Cardtronics, a Houston-based ATM, has completed its acquisition of Welch ATM, a Peoria, Ill.-based provider of retail ATM services.

Congress should amend the bankruptcy code to permit borrowers to discharge student loan debt if their net monthly income is insufficient.

In Australia, more than 2 million people, or 13% of the estimated 16 million in the country who are using credit, are at risk of credit default.

Supporters of a modern replacement for a century-old community swimming pool in the hometown of Belmont Savings Bank had a fundraising crisis, and they are hoping a matching grant from the bank will save the project.

Regulators consider bankers' timing needs when reviewing deals, but it certainly isn't their top concern, advisers say. H&R Block and BofI are learning that the hard way after being told that their bank deal will not be approved this year.

Bank of New York Mellon has agreed to buy the fixed-income firm Cutwater Asset Management from MBIA.

Federal Home Loans Banks officials and others want more time to evaluate and comment on a Federal Housing Finance Agency proposal to restrict FHLB membership.

Several banks, such as Woodforest National, operate extensive branch networks inside Wal-Mart stores. There are concerns that the retailer's new GoBank checking account could gut in-store branches' current business.

How have community banks fared with retaining market share in their traditional strongholds of rural areas and small towns? The latest FDIC Summary of Deposits shows their leads in those areas may be slowly slipping away for a host of competitive reasons.

The House Oversight Committee, which earlier this year admonished the Department of Justice over its tactics for combating fraud in the payments system, has turned its focus to the role of the Federal Trade Commission in the ongoing crackdown.

Madison Bank of Maryland in Forest Hill plans to convert from a mutual thrift to a stock-owned institution. The thrift plans to raise about $24 million as part of its conversion, using the proceeds to fund lending and increase capital levels, according to a regulatory filing.