Don't miss these stunning black and white images of NYC from 1973, markets rallied after President Trump floated substantial cuts to China tariffs, and on Easter Monday, Pope Francis died at the age of 88. Here's what else you might want to read this week.
"Three Challenges for Banks in the New Era of Check Fraud"
Even as check volumes decline, fraud is rising: 65% of organizations reported incidents last year, and SARs doubled between 2021 and 2023. One expert highlights three challenges facing banks: balancing risk assessments with efficiency, maintaining strong controls, and adapting as threats evolve. Read his suggestions for staying protected.
"Key House Republican Defends Fed Against Trump Interference"
Rep. Frank Lucas, R-OK, chair of a new task force focused on monetary policy, emphasized bipartisan efforts to build "the walls higher and stronger and taller" around Fed independence amid President Trump's social media attacks on Chair Jerome Powell. Also read why President Trump has backed off from trying to fire Chair Powell-at least for now-and hear more from Rep. Lucas on the task force's goals and priorities on this episode of Banking with Interest.
"CFPB Defends Analysis Behind 90% Job Cuts"
The DOJ is urging an appeals court to reverse a ruling that halted the CFPB's plan to lay off 1,500 workers, arguing that the agency lawfully determined that it only needs 200 workers. HFSC Chair French Hill told Politico the cuts will be the main source of savings for the GOP's reconciliation bill.
"The Silent Banking Risk: Why Talent Gaps Can Be as Dangerous as Credit Gaps"
Roughly two-thirds of banks struggle to attract young tech talent, while 45% of departing employees cite a lack of development opportunities. As digital transformation accelerates, this talent gap is an overlooked yet critical risk. Read how leading banks are tackling the problem.
"Longtime Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2026"
After more than 40 years in Congress, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL, will retire in 2026. Long tough on banks, Durbin is best known in the industry for slashing debit card interchange fees and pushing for similar reforms on credit cards.
"FDIC Aims to Cut 1,200 Jobs as Trump Worker Purge Continues"
The FDIC recently announced it will cut about 1,250 positions-or 20% of its workforce-through a combination of early retirements, resignations, and if necessary, reduction-in-force layoffs.
"Banks Gear Up to Boost Cybersecurity, Cloud and Data Spending"
Financial institutions are boosting spending on data, cloud, and cybersecurity platforms to support generative AI and other transformative innovations.
"Weathering Uncertainty: A Chief Risk Officer and Bank Advisor Speak Out"
Two risk experts share their insights on deposit competition, stress testing, and lending in volatile markets.
"The Onboarding and KYC Mistakes Costing You Customers"
To streamline KYC and customer onboarding, banks should reduce the number of data fields, automate data entry, eliminate redundant steps, and grant account access immediately after completing KYC, this article says.
"Credit-Card Companies Brace for a Downturn"
Credit card firms are increasing reserves amid rising delinquencies and weakening consumer sentiment. Additionally, with the top 10% of earners now driving half of U.S. spending, issuers are shifting focus to wealthier consumers.
"FDIC Scraps Some Large Bank Living Will Requirements"
The agency has updated its approach to resolution planning, removing requirements to include failure scenarios or bridge bank strategies to focus on more relevant operational data.
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Rob Blackwell
Chief Content Officer and Head of External Affairs
IntraFi
Arlington, VA
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