Corporate finance

There are millions of U.S. consumers who don't have access to traditional financial services. One challenger bank's mission is to help them overcome the barriers to financial inclusion.

MoneyGram International's digital transformation came at just the right time, considering walk-in traffic at MoneyGram locations in certain regions of the world was stymied for months by the coronavirus pandemic. But for many people, digital is still no replacement for the human touch.

The mortgage giants will have to meet benchmarks for covering cash flow needs during stressed periods. The FHFA views the requirements as a prerequisite to the companies exiting conservatorship.

Apple Card helped push services-category revenue to new heights for Apple, which reported double-digit growth in its product and services segments for the third quarter of 2020.

Mastercard reported a sharp decline in payments in its most recent quarter, but some digital seeds it planted before the coronavirus pandemic are already bearing fruit.

The Pennsylvania company said the move is in response to margin pressure and customers' increased adoption of digital channels.

The company's results put firm numbers on one of the most discussed business trends of the pandemic economy — the acceleration of digital payments.

In what was a challenging quarter for the industry, the company reported strong loan growth and a wider margin. Continued momentum will depend on government stimulus, the reopening of New York City and borrowers' ability to make payments after their deferral periods end.

The streaming service is taking out a two-year certificate of deposit with Hope Credit Union, which plans to use the funding to provide credit to communities often overlooked by mainstream banking.

The company's second-quarter net income was $116 million, with mortgage banking revenue of $239 million.

The slowdown in elective medical procedures caused by the coronavirus pandemic led to less spending from HSAs and a decline in interchange income for the Connecticut bank.

Three months ago, Stephen Squeri, the chairman and CEO of American Express, declared a global "economic free fall" due to the coronavirus. Its second-quarter earnings show how far a fall it has been.

CEO Greg Carmichael says the Cincinnati company has cut expenses but will proceed with branch openings in the Southeast and investments in its commercial loan and mortgage origination platforms to lay the groundwork for post-pandemic growth.

Other regionals set more aside for loan losses than the Cleveland bank did in the second quarter, and its ratio of reserves to total loans is slightly lower, too. But Key executives say the portfolio is balanced and holding up well despite the pandemic’s economic toll.

The Dallas company, which in May terminated a deal to merge with Independent Bank, set aside $100 million for worrisome loans and incurred severance costs after cutting an undisclosed number of positions.

Simmons First, which is based in Arkansas, plans to shutter 23 locations later this year, while Great Southern in Missouri has hired a firm to take a look at its network.

The Dallas bank set aside less in the second quarter for credit losses than analysts expected. Executives cited action in Texas and California to reverse reopenings and said they're still committed to the oil and gas business.

The Georgia company warned that outstanding loans could fall and deferrals will likely rise as its home state and Florida grapple with the pandemic.

Loans to retailers and hotels are at the highest risk of default, the Salt Lake City company said in its second-quarter earnings presentation.

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed weaknesses even at well-established fintechs. They could become more resilient by partnering with traditional financial institutions.