COVID-19

As they rewrite the strategy document that guides their interest-rate decisions, Federal Reserve officials are trying to figure out how to embrace the labor market lessons learned before and during the pandemic.

Serious delinquencies on student loans jumped tenfold at the start of 2025, shortly after lenient pandemic-era policies came to an end. The greater pressure on consumers' wallets is a cause for concern at banks that rely on borrowers' ability to repay their debts..

Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin and Gary Peters of Illinois, and Ron Wyden of Oregon, have released a $1.3 billion piece of legislation to target identity fraud in government-related pandemic programs and empower investigators.

Surging interest rates, recession threats and weaker stock valuations bogged down merger-and-acquisition activity last year. The 98 announced deals fell short of even 2020, when the pandemic briefly brought the economy to a standstill.

Billions were lost to fraud during PPP. Now, prosecutors are increasing efforts to recoup taxpayer money, leaving lenders worried they could be put under the microscope next.

Despite growing concerns about fraud, bankers and credit union lenders say PPP provided a crucial source of capital, backstopping the economy as it faced an unprecedented challenge from the pandemic.

On the anniversary of the Center for Disease Control's mask guidance, banks and credit unions are striking a balance between health and branch security.

The Paycheck Protection Program proved successful in providing small-business owners with funds to keep workers employed — but it was also a magnet for criminals. Here is a rundown of fraud probes, prosecutions and potential long-term consequences for commercial lending.

The global microchip shortage is being exacerbated by Russia's war in Ukraine and the COVID lockdowns in China. Experts are warning of an impending strain on the manufacture of cards and point-of-sale hardware.

In “The Lords of Easy Money,” the journalist Christopher Leonard examines the Federal Reserve’s policy of quantitative easing following the 2008 financial crisis.