Kevin Wack is American Banker's national editor, and is based in southern California. He was formerly the publication's consumer finance reporter and its Capitol Hill correspondent. Earlier, he worked on financial policy in Washington. He has also reported for the Associated Press and worked as the investigative reporter for the Portland Press Herald in Maine.
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The two regional banks announced plans to abandon nonsufficient fund fees and make other moves that will reduce the revenue they collect from cash-strapped consumers.
By Jon PriorJune 13 -
The company has agreed to pay at least $3.75 million to resolve allegations that it violated the District of Columbia’s 24% interest rate cap.
By Kevin WackFebruary 8 -
The online lender was not a party to the lawsuit involving the Federal Trade Commission and a payday lender, but it could emerge as one of the big winners from the Supreme Court’s decision.
By Kevin WackMay 4 -
Surging used-car prices — brought on by a combination of strong consumer demand and limited new-vehicle supply — are boosting loan yields and profits at the Detroit company.
By Kevin WackApril 16 -
The Michigan lender agreed in 2012 to pay $133 million to resolve civil fraud charges tied to government-backed mortgages. But the deal with the Justice Department came with a catch that eventually allowed Flagstar to pay far less.
By Kevin WackApril 15 -
Two banking bills signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker carry implications for payday lenders, auto title lenders, credit unions and nonbank mortgage lenders. Pritzker, a Democrat, said the bills will address racial-equity gaps in the state.
By Kevin WackMarch 23 -
In the midst of the pandemic recession, banks have benefited from government stimulus payments to consumers, low interest rates and constraints on the supply of new vehicles. But intensifying competition and real concerns about borrowers’ ability to pay loans that went into forbearance could soon threaten profits and credit quality.
By Kevin WackMarch 4 -
As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau slowed its pursuit of bad actors, state attorneys general vowed to pick up the slack. Here’s why they fell short — and why they are poised to get aggressive again.
By Kevin WackFebruary 24 -
Like other card issuers, the Stamford, Conn., company expects current trends — soft loan demand but strong credit quality — to reverse later this year as the economy emerges from the pandemic-induced recession.
By Kevin WackJanuary 29 -
Seven states and the District of Columbia want to invalidate a new federal rule that threatens to hinder states’ power to cap interest rates on consumer loans.
By Kevin WackJanuary 5