Economy

Despite regulatory efforts, applications for traditional new banks often now require lengthier review periods for approval than in the last several decades. Here are some key ways to lighten this burden.

The National Credit Union Administration is addressing two of the main reasons why new institutions aren't being formed — making it easier for the organizers to raise the required capital and easing the burden of the application process, says Todd Harper, the agency's chairman.

A former insider wants the Federal Home Loan Bank System's regulator to require its 11 regional banks to balance members' liquidity needs with the system's public mission to fund affordable housing and community development programs.

The lack of affordable housing is becoming an increasingly acute political and economic problem. But a few small tweaks to a Federal Housing Administration loan program could unlock prospective homeowners' potential to solve that problem for themselves.

The plan calls for the formation of Orca Bank in Bellingham, Washington. It would become a subsidiary of Savi, whose CEO would assume the same role at the bank.

Key data points have shown price and wage pressures continue to dissipate, which should bolster the case for an end to rate increases, but strong labor-market activity may keep policymakers uneasy.

Their links to the Treasury have been considered a source of strength and still are, but less so, according to one rating agency. Others disagree.

But a Zillow economist argues that there's plenty of evidence suggesting strong GDP and job growth had more to do with the increase than what Fitch did.