Economy

During a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Democrats largely praised the policy decisions of acting regulators named by the Biden administration and knocked their predecessors. But Republicans warned that moves to reverse Trump-era policies would leave financial institutions without a clear road map.

Instead of injecting cash into Commonwealth National Bank, Regions Bank is taking a more targeted approach: providing funding for the community development financial institution to hire a commercial banker.

The U.S. arm of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has hired nine bankers away from Wells Fargo in an effort to expand its restaurant finance group. The lender focused on the fast-casual and quick-serve segments during the pandemic and anticipates growth in that sector.

Year to date Dec. 31, 2020. Dollars in thousands (Dec. 31, 2020)

On Dec. 31, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

On Dec. 31, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

Even before the pandemic, almost half of SMB customers were being turned away by their own banks for a small business loan. Enter COVID-19, and banks and credit unions are still not keeping up with the surging demand for capital, says LendingFront's Jorge Sun.

Michael Butler relied on partnerships with tech startups in areas such as checking and mobile banking to turn Radius into a digital-only bank before its sale to LendingClub. As the new CEO of Grasshopper Bank, he plans to strike similar deals to expand beyond business lending.

Some worry the Senate’s rejection of the OCC rule hampers efforts to clarify legal standards for banks selling loans to fintechs.

Three Republicans joined Senate Democrats in voting to overturn a rule issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that makes it easier for national banks to sell loans to nonbanks. A companion resolution has been introduced in the House.

On Dec. 31, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

On Dec. 31, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

On Dec. 31, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

There are too many security, usability and reliability risks for QR codes to be the main driver of transit payment. NFC is likely better, says Carlypso Networks' Philippe Vappereau.

American Express is trying to differentiate itself from other card networks by making loans through its bank and incorporating accounts payable services and lending technology it inherited with its acquisitions of Acompay and Kabbage.

American Express is trying to differentiate itself from other card networks by making loans through its bank and incorporating accounts payable services and lending technology it inherited with its acquisitions of Acompay and Kabbage.

Fannie and Freddie's regulator says the companies must comply with the new Qualified Mortgage standard by the summer, while the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has extended the deadline to 2022. The conflicting timetables have stoked uncertainty in the market.

In this Leaders episode, Daniel Wolfe of PaymentsSource sits down with Chris Giamo, head of commercial bank at TD, to discuss the next phase of small business stimulus and how banks can play a more active role with the small business community.

COVID-19 has shown us that technology can rapidly evolve to meet customer needs, in areas from contactless payments to digital banking to mobile wallets. However, we still see great disparities when it comes to the use of contactless and digital banking by low- to moderate-income (LMI) workers. The question is, will emerging tech in the post-COVID economy provide an opportunity to include new people in the financial system-- or leave them even further behind?

The digital transformation of payments has reached its next phase — with banks and fintechs leading the way. Avoiding the one-size-fits-all approach to deliver the experience customers want is key.