Fee income

More banks are discussing the status of overdraft practices, and the industry is bracing for the potential of new regulations under President-elect Joe Biden.

Executives from a half-dozen major financial institutions avoided detailed commercial lending forecasts and gave a mixed outlook on consumer credit at an industry conference. And they called on Washington to pass an aid package targeted at the most troubled business sectors as soon as it can.

Strong mortgage and capital markets activity helped offset credit costs and one-time items in the third quarter at Citizens Financial Group. In a period of low rates, CEO Bruce Van Saun says he’d like to buy more fee-generating businesses.

Duncan-Williams, which serves institutional clients, will help South State expand its correspondent lending operations.

The $3.1 billion-asset institution's product will not carry any fees and offers a variable APR.

The fees have helped banks recoup costs of free or low-cost checking accounts for decades, but they can penalize low-income customers and drive them away from banking. Is there a better way?

As the pandemic has stretched on further into 2020, with more lockdowns and economic disruption predicted heading into the fall and winter, continuing to offer fee waivers has not always proved financially viable.

The company and its global peers have seen their profitability hurt by half a decade of negative interest rates, which effectively make banks pay for holding clients’ cash.

If Congress wants to provide better access to banking services for low-income and rural Americans, it would be wise to consider financial services partners that operate under a not-for-profit model.

Late fees on loan payments and late-arriving documents tied to forbearance and loan forgiveness are just some examples of how delays caused by cutbacks at the U.S. Postal Service could affect lenders and their customers.