Law and regulation

Dennis Nixon and Gerry Schwebel at International Bancshares share their views on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal, immigration policy, and a border wall.

With 2019 winding to a close, regulators and members of Congress are working to wrap up key items for credit unions before the end of the year.

Facebook’s stablecoin initiative has inspired countless ideas about how to put fintech under the control of federal regulators. Here are the most critical questions.

Federal and state policymakers wagged their fingers this week at high-cost lenders that might be looking to team with banks to evade a 36% ceiling on interest rates.

Thursday's hearing brought Brown and NCUA Chairman Rodney Hood face to face for the first time since an October letter in which the senator slammed some of Hood's political activities.

The industry's dominant growth strategy of 2019 was a hot topic during a House Financial Services Committee hearing.

Banks will not have to file reports on customers just because they're in the hemp business; making it easier for people with no credit history to get loans.

Alternative data "may improve the speed and accuracy of credit decisions and may help firms evaluate the creditworthiness of consumers," the agencies said.

The chairman of the National Credit Union Administration will have to answer lawmakers' questions about his political activities, while comments on various agency proposals are also due this week.

The CFPB has promised an equal-access rule for small-business lending for nearly a decade. But Apple’s recent discrimination inquiry into its credit card could force the agency’s hand.

These community development-focused banks need tailored regulations to expand their purpose in helping underserved areas.

The Small Business Administration has told lawmakers it can reinvigorate its streamlined guarantee program by nearly tripling the maximum loan size. So far, Congress has been mum on the idea.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development is seeking public feedback on federal, state and local laws and regulations that may inhibit affordable housing or constrain the supply of housing.

Bank regulators are considering a bypass to the 2015 court ruling governing loan sales that would ultimately offer more credit options to entrepreneurs.

Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., wants details about refunding "hundreds of millions of dollars" in fees improperly charged on checking accounts. Wells has acknowledged the potential problem but hasn't estimated how much it owes.

Readers react to the FDIC's proposal allowing banks to hire ex-cons, regulators looking into climate-change risk at banks, whether rewards programs drive loyal customers and more.

The CFPB has promised an equal-access rule for small-business lending for nearly a decade. But Apple’s recent discrimination inquiry into its credit card could force the agency’s hand.

In a discussion about partnerships with technology and fintech firms, Citigroup CEO Michael Corbat said banks need to be careful not to give away too much, particularly the client-customer relationship.

The National Credit Union Administration board pushed back against criticisms about its rising budget by noting its oversight is still cheaper than that provided by other financial agencies.

Several proposals in Congress requiring clear disclosures on student loans could help lower defaults.