Policymaking

Lawmakers have had to extend the program eight times since October 2017, as Congress has been unable to pass broader reforms.

Banks have criticized the new accounting standard, but it would likely soften future bubbles and reduce subsequent credit crunches by requiring that reserves be held upfront when loans are made.

The initiative would allow financial firms to test new — and potentially less transparent — disclosure forms on customers.

A 10-year exemption for banks offering estimated fees and exchange rates under the rule, instead of exact amounts, is set to expire in 2020. Lawmakers should consider a temporary extension.

Readers react to trends in public banking, weigh potential changes for brokered deposits, consider oversight of foreign banks and more.

Decades-old measures designed to rein in risky lenders are now preventing healthy banks from tapping crucial sources of funds.

There is a surprising amount of pessimism in the air among bankers, including fears of another recession and House Democratic activism. But there are lots of reasons financial institutions should be feeling good.

The megabank’s continued compliance problems suggest that all of its board members, along with 100 of its most senior managers, should be replaced to make way for real change.

The initiative would allow financial firms to test new — and potentially less transparent — disclosure forms on customers.

A 10-year exemption for banks offering estimated fees and exchange rates under the rule, instead of exact amounts, is set to expire in 2020. Lawmakers should consider a temporary extension.