Roughly two dozen countries have issued central bank digital currencies or have pilots underway. But until financial services firms strengthen the security of their mobile apps, these payment tools are unlikely to gain widespread acceptance.

Canadian banks have frozen just over 200 accounts under emergency powers invoked by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that are meant to end protests in Ottawa and at key border crossings, a government official said this week.

With its $1.1 billion deal for Technisys, the onetime student-loan refinancer adds a banking-core software arm as it pushes beyond deposits and lending.

Year to date through Dec. 31, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

Year to date through Dec. 31, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

The Los Angeles bank did not explain what it is investigating. It announced record annual earnings of $56.9 million in January, but news of the investigation and the uncertainty around CEO Alan Thian sent its stock price downward by 15%.

An ultracompetitive job market is forcing lenders to boost salaries, requiring many to caution investors that expenses could jump before profits from higher rates are realized.

Government officials spend a lot of time criticizing banks for gouging customers even though their own statistical reports demonstrate that fees are not a major issue for consumers.

Some investors worry the rebound in consumer lending will inevitably lead to more defaults. Here’s why bank executives disagree.

Banks are still seeking clarity from law enforcement on how to handle the alleged protesters’ accounts. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said some accounts have already been frozen as part of a financial crackdown on those accused of paralyzing the nation's capital.

The tax preparer has a well-recognized brand and wide reach, but needs tech help for its neobank.

The agreement to acquire Vantage Financial in Minnesota comes less than a year after Peoples Bank purchased North Star Leasing in Vermont.

By helping consumers understand how to manage their money in a world of shifting financial options, banks can differentiate themselves from new competition and stay relevant.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is raising concerns about exclusive government contracts and the fees that recipients of public benefits get charged. “Barriers to choice kill competition and can harm families who need every dollar to make ends meet," said Director Rohit Chopra.

As more consumers shop and bank online, Texas Capital and its rivals are competing for market share with concepts such as an American Airlines savings account that offers miles instead of interest and one that pays a 0.70% annual percentage yield, beating the national average of 0.06%.

Axis Bank is nearing a deal to buy Citigroup’s India retail banking business, a transaction that could be valued at about $2.5 billion, people familiar with the matter said.

The fintech-turned-bank has bet big on pro football marketing. Sunday’s game at SoFi Stadium should give its customer acquisitions a boost, analysts say.

On Sep. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

On Sep. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

Starling Bank Ltd. is weighing plans for a fresh funding round that could value the U.K. challenger at around 2.5 billion pounds ($3.4 billion), according to people familiar with the matter.