Financial institutions

In a book that was decades in the making, retired law professor Art Wilmarth tells the story of the Glass-Steagall Act — its origins, demise and aftermath. He also makes a case for restoring the separation between banks and securities firms, arguing that erecting such a barrier would reduce systemic risk and weaken the big banks’ political power.

Transportation and clean-energy upgrades could create significant new lending opportunities, but some observers fear the government will foot the bill through a special tax on banks and other financial firms.

The trust bank and the credit card company said they'll make it easier for customers to use cryptocurrencies. The announcements contributed to another jump in the price of the largest digital asset.

Harris Simmons of Zions Bancorp. warned that excess deposits could suppress loan demand and pose an inflation threat, while Darren King of M&T tried to reassure investors that deposits will be less volatile than some fear once the economy improves.

Ken LaRoe, whose First Green Bancorp was sold a few years ago, is seeking approval for a de novo called Climate First Bank that would cater to low-income communities hurt by climate change and favor ecology-minded tech vendors.

Harris Simmons, the chairman and CEO of Zions Bancorp., updated investors Wednesday on his cancer diagnosis, saying a CAT scan last week did not detect the rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with which he was diagnosed in November.

Banks and nonbanks are expected to vie for more commercial business this year, and nonbanks already have signaled a willingness to ease lending standards in order to win business.

On Sep. 30, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

On Sep. 30, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

On Sep. 30, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

Protego Trust Bank in Seattle will focus on providing custody services for investors that hold digital assets. The OCC decision comes weeks after the agency granted permission to a South Dakota trust company to offer crypto-related services.

Banks weren't involved in the trading frenzy, but some observers say the regulatory response should address risks to all financial institutions.

A group led by Stephen Gordon has received conditional approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to open Genesis Bank.

Some big banks trimmed their stockpiles that guard against loan losses in the fourth quarter, but overall allowances fell less than many observers predicted. The trend will likely continue given uncertainties surrounding vaccine distribution and the economy.

Bank of New York Mellon, State Street and Northern Trust have even more reason to slash costs than commercial banks because their options to boost revenue are more limited. Problem is, they also have fewer cost-cutting options.

The pandemic has decimated small businesses, and minority-owned firms have been hurt the most. How can banks and regulators jump-start the small-business economy?

Organizers have been working raising capital and preparing an application for about four years.

Acquisitions of wealth management, insurance, fintech and other firms are expected to pick up as banks seek new sources of fee income and look to improve digital capabilities.

The Columbus, Ohio, company plans to close nearly 200 branches in the state — including more than 90 in Meijer grocery stores — after it acquires TCF Financial. It also intends to significantly boost its technology spending to improve its digital capabilities.

Deposits are soaring while loan demand lags and mortgage-backed securities offer weak returns. So the Alabama company has parked loads of cash at the Fed in hopes the economy will pick up steam before profit margins suffer.