The Federal Reserve's independence in setting monetary policy is critical to global confidence in U.S. markets and the dollar's status as reserve currency of choice. Making those functions constitutionally separate from the executive branch is the best way to ensure that independence.

In August's roundup of top banking news: The impact of National Public Data's breach on banks, USAA agrees to $64 million settlement in overcharging case and more.

The Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation held steady at 2.6% for the third month in a row, a positive reading that increases the odds of a September rate cut.

Citing "moral hazard" as the reason for denying full federal deposit insurance betrays a completely unrealistic belief in the ability of everyday depositors to gauge a bank's strength.

Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to build 3 million new housing units over her first term. Rehabilitating vacant housing might be one of the most cost-effective ways to meet that goal — and address many other problems at the same time.

Banks burdened by excessive regulation are unable to provide the kind of support that growing small businesses in their communities need. The entire system is in dire need of an overhaul.

Vice President Kamala Harris' pledge to deliver 3 million homes has drawn applause from homebuilders, lenders and affordability advocates, but experts are uncertain how her administration would pull it off.

Committee Chair Sherrod Brown is facing a tough election.

In his speech at the Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, the Fed chair said employment losses are now a bigger risk than elevated inflation.

The Federal Home Loan banks must be looking at the shift in presidential polling with alarm. A Democratic victory would open the door to tougher regulation and potential streamlining of the 11-bank system.