BankThink

Week ahead: Credit union groups outline 2021 priorities

01/04/21

With the new Congress sworn in, trade associations are already pushing their legislative wish lists, including more regulatory oversight of fintechs and protecting the industry's tax exemption.

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‘COVID, COVID, COVID’: Pandemic set to dominate ’21 banking agenda on Hill

01/04/21

The Georgia runoffs and resulting balance of power in Congress will help determine which bills on bankers’ wish list gain traction. But regardless, existing coronavirus relief such as the Paycheck Protection Program and a push for more economic aid will remain top of mind for lawmakers and the industry.

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Fintechs shouldn’t be granted easy outs on CRA

01/04/21

The next administration must halt the practice of allowing new entrants into the banking system to forgo a full Community Reinvestment Act exam.

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The investment bank vs. retail bank divergence; bitcoin bull charges on

01/04/21

CEOs of investment banks had huge stock gains in 2020 while heads of retail banks suffered paper losses; the digital currency has climbed another 10% so far in 2021, topping $34,000.

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How the new year could shake up the credit union industry

01/04/21

The National Credit Union Administration may get a new leader, several institutions could seek to expand their fields of membership, and a pot banking fight may reemerge.

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PPP forgiveness, adapting to COVID, Wells and BofA scrutiny: Top stories of 2020

01/03/21

In a year rife with uncertainty about, well, pretty much everything, it's not surprising that a list of American Banker's most-read stories in 2020 would be dominated by accounts of lenders and regulators trying to navigate the Paycheck Protection Program on the fly.

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Senate override of Trump veto clears way for shell-company reform

01/02/21

Congress's enactment of the defense spending bill opposed by the White House removes the final hurdle for a key anti-money-laundering provision.

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IPO done, expectations mount for Eastern Bankshares

12/31/20

Speculation is swirling that the Boston company will go on a buying spree after raising $1.8 billion, though some investors are advising caution. This tension makes CEO Bob Rivers one of our community bankers to watch in 2021.

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Digital Banking 2020: Digital transformation - The cultural imperative

12/31/20

During 2020, our society has been faced with an economic crisis, health crisis, social justice crisis and environmental crisis. The pandemic has rapidly changed how banks engage with customers and employees; accelerating the shift from in-person interactions to digital engagements. Successfully leading a digital transformation requires much more than smart technology choices, culture is key.

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New wave of fintechs make communities of color top priority

12/31/20

Challenger banks aimed at Blacks, Hispanics, immigrants and other underserved groups are offering financial education and support for charities in addition to basic banking services.

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