BankThink

Banks alter security policies to let customers wear masks

06/08/20

Before the coronavirus outbreak, financial institutions, wary of robberies, prevented customers from covering their faces. As branches reopen, public health concerns are forcing accommodations.

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Ex-OCC chief Otting to join board of software company

06/08/20

Former Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting landed a post with Black Knight, which provides technology solutions to mortgage and real estate companies.

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Why the pandemic isn’t scaring away first-time homebuyers

06/08/20

One segment of the market, at least, has proved more resilient than many feared early on in the crisis.

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Card issuers cut back on 0% offers; shift to mobile could speed branch divestment

06/08/20

Banks are looking to reduce their consumer credit risk exposure in the face of high unemployment; the drop in branch transactions is causing banks to rethink how many they need.

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HSBC lets Apple-using customers iMessage customer service

06/08/20

The U.S. division of HSBC Bank has added Apple’s iMessaging feature to its suite of customer service channels. Instead of waiting on hold, customers can trade texts with an agent.

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‘Banks are the infrastructure’: OCC leader on pandemic, recovery, CRA

06/07/20

Acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian Brooks says financial institutions are needed more than ever to “sustain existing businesses” and help entrepreneurs rebuild. Meanwhile, reforming the Community Reinvestment Act, he says, can “unblock opportunities” in minority neighborhoods.

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Banks urged to foster rise of minority-owned businesses

06/05/20

Lenders have a role to play in the national reconciliation that must follow the recent racial unrest — providing greater access to capital for African Americans and other underserved groups so they can build wealth, activists said at a panel discussion hosted by Berkshire Bank in Boston.

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U.S. Bancorp pledges $116 million to address racial inequality

06/05/20

As part of its commitment, the Minneapolis company said it will provide $100 million in capital to African American owned and operated businesses and organizations.

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Broader PPP forgiveness, Wells bumping its cap, 'no regrets' cost cutting: Top stories of the week

06/05/20

Big banks call for blanket forgiveness of PPP loans under $150,000; Wells Fargo struggling to stay under asset cap amid pandemic, CEO says; banks are getting aggressive — and creative — to boost profits; and more from this week's most-read stories.

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How coronavirus pivot helped this British fintech land PNC

06/05/20

The challenger bank OakNorth has been peddling its lending platform to U.S. banks for a year. When it saw COVID-19 on the horizon, it retooled to include a ratings system predicting how borrowers will be affected by the pandemic.

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