Bank channel

In her final column for American Banker, Editor-at-Large Barbara Rehm says there is no denying the system is safer than it was in 2007, and while further changes may be needed, it makes sense to "take a breather."

This time last year American Banker predicted six types of deals that would predominate in 2013. We were right about some things (more mergers of equals), wrong about others (lots of tiny banks would sell), and partly correct in some cases. Here's our self-critique.

In the space of just a few hours, regulators issued -- and banks condemned -- guidance meant to clarify the impact of the Volcker rule on small institutions.

For years, bankers have bemoaned the looming death of the traditional bank branch. Now it looks like it’s actually starting to happen. Finally.

During the first three quarters of 2013, the programs generated $427.8 million in revenue, the most they’ve produced since 2007.

Reliance on branches has declined as people conduct more business through digital channels such as online and mobile banking, pushing community banks to take a harder look at digital offerings.

While the landscape for low-cost fund options for do-it-yourselfers is expanding, John Bogle, founder and retired CEO of the Vanguard Group, believes DIY product offerings are too often inappropriate for long-term investors, who are at risk of being led astray.

The firm hired five directors in Chicago, Seattle and Palm Beach Gardens as part of its campaign to boost its sales force and professional staff.

UBS AG, the world’s largest wealth manager, said clients are shifting money to be managed directly by the bank or pay for advice in a reversal of previous outflows after it revamped services to boost profitability.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on Friday closed Texas Community Bank, a $160 million-asset institution located north of Houston.

Victory Bancorp in Limerick, Pa., and Huntingdon Valley in Warminster have agreed to a merger of equals.

Benton Reichenau will be responsible for all product management for banking, wealth planning, and investment management and trust across U.S. Bank Wealth Management’s three business lines.

John Quello and his son, Nathan, joined First Dakota National Bank from UBS Financial Services, where they produced more than $1.6 million in annual fees and commissions.

The Federal Reserve Board on Friday announced the new chairs of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks for 2014.

The Volcker Rule may finally be out, but the process of understanding the intricacies of the complex regulation that bans the largest banks from making risky trades has only just begun.

U.S. Bancorp has promoted P.W. Parker to vice chairman and chief risk officer, the Minneapolis company said Thursday.

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council on Wednesday issued final guidance aimed at helping, banks, credit unions and other financial institutions manage risks related to social media.

JPMorgan Chase, the target of multiple U.S. Justice Department investigations, tentatively agreed to pay about $2 billion to resolve probes into whether it ignored warning signs about Bernard Madoff’s crimes, according to a person briefed on the matter.

Paul Volcker said he wasn’t involved with writing the final version of the rule that bears his name, staying abreast of developments from a distance as regulators crafted details of his curbs on trading by banks.

“When they come to us for everything, we then truly are their lead advisor,” says Mike Ott, the new head of the unit.