Debt buyer Encore Capital Group Inc. set June 13 as the closing date for the $200 million merger with Asset Acceptance Capital Corp.

While face-to-face interactions may be nowhere near the most common banking transaction these days, they continue to have an inordinate influence on how customers think and feel about a bank. We cannot afford to waste them.

Insurers and brokerages have myriad reasons for setting up bank subsidiaries, including lower funding costs and a broader array of customer services. But increased regulatory scrutiny is prompting many to change their thinking. Here's a look at nonbanks that have or are looking to shed bank charters, citing the cost and time commitment related to complying with the Dodd-Frank Act and other obligations.

With the government cracking down on digital currency players such as Liberty Reserve and Mt. Gox, many ask whether it's a move to squash the development of virtual currencies and what action the government will take next.

First Commonwealth Bank in Indiana, Pa., has hired Jane Grebenc as its new president.

The $555 billion-asset Canadian company announced Tuesday that Costello plans to retire as its U.S. country head and as president and chief executive of its BMO Financial unit in Chicago.

QCR Holdings in Moline, Ill., has agreed to sell two branches to Clear Lake Bank & Trust in Iowa.

Lenders and special servicers operating in Nevada may be up for an unpleasant legal surprise if the state's higher court upholds a 2012 ruling that maintains a private sale of property through receivership is basically the same as a foreclosure sale.

Even if Congress passes a comprehensive reform bill, many immigrants eligible for citizenship may never apply because they can't afford the application and legal fees. Banks should loan them the money, activists say.

Robert Braswell is set to become president and CEO of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia just days after retiring as the state's banking commissioner.

Fidelity Southern (LION) in Atlanta is planning to raise $60 million in a public offering and use the proceeds, along with cash on hand, to exit the Treasury Department's Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Banks are increasingly competing with nonbanks to develop products for low-income and underserved customers. Here are the crucial questions they need to ask about regulation, technology and the competitive landscape.

President Obama's moves to rein in patent litigation should ease the squabbling over intellectual property that's hampered innovation in payments and should also reduce banks' legal costs.

Wisconsin Bank & Trust in Madison has given its longtime president the additional title of chief executive.

The banking panel's top Republican said Tuesday that he hopes the committee will begin debate on overhauling the housing finance system this fall.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released exam guidance on Tuesday that details how it plans to enforce its recently released mortgage regulations.

In a low-growth market, aggressive banks are seeking to grow by poaching top performers from rivals. There are effective ways to keep top talent on board.

If federal regulators do not get the bulk of Dodd-Frank's provisions in place by the end of 2014, Congress is likely to take another, tougher whack at reform. It will make the 2010 law look tame by comparison.

Taylor Capital Group (TAYC) in Chicago plans to enter the mortgage-servicing business through the purchase of servicing rights and facilities from Liberty Savings Bank of Wilmington, Ohio.

Banks can lose business when highly regarded managers leave. Here are tips for motivating employees to stay put.