Links in “Banks”

That is the question. Here is the answer. [9/23]

Columnist: Hype about rising interest rates wrecking housing recovery are overblown; real culprit is collapsed personal incomes. [9/23]

Black and hispanic white applicants experienced higher denial rates than non-hispanic white applicants, findings similar to recent years. [9/20]

While many cheer the proposed qualified residential mortgage rule, Brookings Institution economist says low down payments and government backing that shields lenders from risk is a lethal combination. [9/20]

Some cheer "Invest in Boston" bill as a way to encourage banks seeking to do business with the city to pay attention to their mortgage and small business lending practices, CRA, personal lending, and hiring; others consider the new bill superfluous to federal and state oversight. Boston is 4th major city to pass such a law. [9/20]

The $60 million penalty along with referenced $300 million restitution focuses on an identity theft product that failed to deliver on all full benefits. The UDAAP principle in play merits review. [9/20]

A federally mandated study concerning the affordability issues related to the National Flood Insurance Program will likely not be completed for another two years. Despite that, rate hikes for flood insurance premiums are scheduled to begin on October 1 as federal subsidies begin to be eliminated. There is some fear that the increases could be as high as 3,000% and could force people out of their homes. [9/19]

Still offering NOW accounts? Considering dropping overdraft protection because of regulatory criticism? May be time to take another look at how you look at your deposit accounts. [9/19]

While recreational marijuana use is legal in Colorado and Washington, it is still considered illegal under federal law. How can financial institutions reconcile the difference? So far, they can't, but there may be hope on the horizon. [9/19]

Recapping the finalized amendments and clarifications to the CFPB's mortgage rules. [9/19]