The banking industry's loan losses could stay elevated for years, recent federal data suggests, even after appearing to peak in late 2009.

Tight supply has sent portfolio prices for the freshest chargeoffs soaring in recent weeks to as much as 12 cents on the dollar. Portfolio prices for these accounts are now averaging more than nine cents on the dollar, according to debt buyers.

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group has agreed to sell its credit card payment processing unit to Advent International Corp. and Bain Capital for $2.7 billion, according to the companies.

American Express Co. is looking at potential acquisitions that would strengthen its competitive position in alternative payments as credit conditions continue to improve and competition heats up for high-end consumers.

The mergers-and-acquisitions market in the accounts receivable management industry reportedly was active in the second quarter, according to a news release by Kaulkin Ginsberg, an industry M&A and strategic advisory firm.

Editor's Note: To comment on the below story and what it means for DBA International, contact Darren Waggoner at 815.463.9008 or darren.waggoner@sourcemedia.com. With your approval, your comments may be included in an upcoming story.

Fifth Third Bancorp has announced its Fifth Third Processing Solutions LLC unit has acquired the assets of credit union processor TNB Card Services from credit union-owned Town North Bank of Dallas.

M&A transaction value in 2Q 2010 in the Accounts Receivable Management (ARM) sector surpassed $255 million, a 197% increase over 1Q 2010, and a sign of a strengthening M&A environment, according to advisory firm Greenberg Advisors LLC.

Prices for bad debt are up by as much as 15%, depending on portfolio quality, and a lack of supply likely will keep prices high in the near-term, according to several industry insiders. The freshest credit card debt is fetching between five cents and seven cents on the dollar.