Fee income

Quaint Oak in Pennsylvania is making a big push in real estate brokerage, a business that many state-chartered banks might think is illegal for them to pursue.

Financial Institutions will incorporate Robshaw & Julian into another firm it bought early last year.

Bank of America plans to provide a premium package that includes speaking directly to analysts, attending conferences and meeting senior executives of major companies and policymakers.

Bryn Mawr Bank has launched a mutual fund at a time when heightened competition and regulatory oversight are the norm.

Six states and D.C. still charge in-network fees when unemployed workers cash in assistance delivered through prepaid cards.

Announcing that a formerly free product or service will now cost money exposes banks to reputational risk. But the process doesn’t have to end in customers getting angry.

CEO Kelly King also did not rule out a return to bank M&A now that BB&T has completed the integration of Susquehanna Bancshares and National Penn Bancshares.

Lending and managing money for recording artists and labels can be a profitable niche. But volatile income streams, intellectual property challenges and business model upheaval can trip up the inexperienced.

The Tulsa, Okla., company also benefited from higher interest and fee revenue while keeping expenses under control.

Some analysts suggest CUs cut fees in order to boost revenue, but CU’s haven’t wholeheartedly embraced that philosophy – at least not yet.