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Every few years, a new wave of tools is expected to disrupt the industry entirely. But the reality is usually more measured.

Every few years, a new wave of tools is expected to disrupt the industry entirely. But the reality is usually more measured.

Banks are optimistic about the operating backdrop amid healthy lending, robust capital markets, and stable credit quality. Meanwhile, the competitive landscape has never been tougher. Gene Ludwig joins Bloomberg Intelligence to discuss these topics and more.

Banks are optimistic about the operating backdrop amid healthy lending, robust capital markets, and stable credit quality. Meanwhile, the competitive landscape has never been tougher. Gene Ludwig joins Bloomberg Intelligence to discuss these topics and more.

The most compelling innovation in banking today is not about flashy interfaces or speculative applications of technology; it is about strengthening core functions such as lending, payments, risk management, and compliance, writes Gene Ludwig of Ludwig Advisors.

The most compelling innovation in banking today is not about flashy interfaces or speculative applications of technology; it is about strengthening core functions such as lending, payments, risk management, and compliance, writes Gene Ludwig of Ludwig Advisors.

Growth is back on the agenda, yet it is being considered through the lenses of soundness, profitability, and operational capacity.

Growth is back on the agenda, yet it is being considered through the lenses of soundness, profitability, and operational capacity.

For non-US banks, the conversation has shifted. The central question today is no longer whether international trade and cross-border commerce will continue to grow but how to approach the US market to participate in that growth.

For non-US banks, the conversation has shifted. The central question today is no longer whether international trade and cross-border commerce will continue to grow but how to approach the US market to participate in that growth.

There are moments in banking when the landscape doesn’t simply evolve, it resets. We are in such a moment now.

There are moments in banking when the landscape doesn’t simply evolve, it resets. We are in such a moment now.

ProSight Financial sat down with Gene Ludwig to discuss his new book, “The Mismeasurement of America,” an analysis of government statistics and how the failure to modernize them obscures the economic struggles of U.S. residents and creates blind spots for banks on systemic risk and consumer stresses.

ProSight Financial sat down with Gene Ludwig to discuss his new book, “The Mismeasurement of America,” an analysis of government statistics and how the failure to modernize them obscures the economic struggles of U.S. residents and creates blind spots for banks on systemic risk and consumer stresses.

Despite well-known figures on both the left and right supporting a cap, winning a vote is quite another thing. Amid the continued debate, ProSight reached out to industry thought leaders for their takes on the likelihood of a cap—or something like it—taking hold.

Despite well-known figures on both the left and right supporting a cap, winning a vote is quite another thing. Amid the continued debate, ProSight reached out to industry thought leaders for their takes on the likelihood of a cap—or something like it—taking hold.

Policymakers in Washington have rarely been as aligned with the banking industry as they will be for the next year or two. Bankers should use this time to expand and fortify their businesses for the future, writes Gene Ludwig, of Ludwig Advisors.

Policymakers in Washington have rarely been as aligned with the banking industry as they will be for the next year or two. Bankers should use this time to expand and fortify their businesses for the future, writes Gene Ludwig, of Ludwig Advisors.

Community bankers have a lot to contend with in 2026, from spikes in fraud to the growing presence of nonbank firms in the financial services market. A closer look at the American Banker’s 2026 State of Open Finance Adoption report reveals what small bank leaders care about most.

Community bankers have a lot to contend with in 2026, from spikes in fraud to the growing presence of nonbank firms in the financial services market. A closer look at the American Banker’s 2026 State of Open Finance Adoption report reveals what small bank leaders care about most.

As cryptocurrency firms and fintech companies seek national trust charters under the more digital asset-friendly Trump administration, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's interpretative letter undergirding their applications is drawing greater scrutiny from the banking industry.

As cryptocurrency firms and fintech companies seek national trust charters under the more digital asset-friendly Trump administration, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's interpretative letter undergirding their applications is drawing greater scrutiny from the banking industry.

If digital assets are a new building still in the design phase, the wallet is the front door.

If digital assets are a new building still in the design phase, the wallet is the front door.

A significant majority of Americans are now living lives of permanent financial stress, and debt delinquency is on the rise. For bankers, that's a recipe for problems with profitability, and perhaps with safety and soundness, warns Gene Ludwig.

A significant majority of Americans are now living lives of permanent financial stress, and debt delinquency is on the rise. For bankers, that's a recipe for problems with profitability, and perhaps with safety and soundness, warns Gene Ludwig.

Markets proved resilient as Trump redefined US policies—but questions are piling up about 2026 and beyond.

Markets proved resilient as Trump redefined US policies—but questions are piling up about 2026 and beyond.

The former chief national bank examiner for the OCC sees welcome changes in the structure of federal banking supervision, but warns against the dangers of complacency.

The former chief national bank examiner for the OCC sees welcome changes in the structure of federal banking supervision, but warns against the dangers of complacency.

Digital assets are no longer a distant experiment—they are beginning to shape the future of financial services in real and practical ways.

Digital assets are no longer a distant experiment—they are beginning to shape the future of financial services in real and practical ways.

Banks need to be proactive about designing and implementing stress tests that consider a wide range of scenarios, with a particular focus on tail risks, writes Gene Ludwig.

Banks need to be proactive about designing and implementing stress tests that consider a wide range of scenarios, with a particular focus on tail risks, writes Gene Ludwig.

To adjust to the changing landscape, all banks — even local and regional institutions once insulated from macro global trends — should aim to better understand the geopolitical landscape and adopt sustainable measures to survive, even thrive.

To adjust to the changing landscape, all banks — even local and regional institutions once insulated from macro global trends — should aim to better understand the geopolitical landscape and adopt sustainable measures to survive, even thrive.

It’s time for a serious reckoning with what “same activity, same risk, same regulation” should mean in practice.

It’s time for a serious reckoning with what “same activity, same risk, same regulation” should mean in practice.

From private credit to stablecoins, firms with scant oversight have been allowed to gobble up business that formerly went to regulated banks. Until balance is restored, the system is overburdened with risk, writes Gene Ludwig.

From private credit to stablecoins, firms with scant oversight have been allowed to gobble up business that formerly went to regulated banks. Until balance is restored, the system is overburdened with risk, writes Gene Ludwig.

Recalibration of method 2 seen as more likely than its abolition; banks resist daily averaging

Recalibration of method 2 seen as more likely than its abolition; banks resist daily averaging

War, trade, cyber threats...Geopolitical risk is testing financial institutions globally. Hear from Joe Iraci, Mark Midkiff, and Molly Short as they explore how world tensions are reshaping risk management, compliance, and resilience strategies for banks.

War, trade, cyber threats...Geopolitical risk is testing financial institutions globally. Hear from Joe Iraci, Mark Midkiff, and Molly Short as they explore how world tensions are reshaping risk management, compliance, and resilience strategies for banks.

Is the regulatory framework we built after the Global Financial Crisis still fit for purpose?

Is the regulatory framework we built after the Global Financial Crisis still fit for purpose?

Real due process in bank supervision is not merely administrative housekeeping — it is fundamental to the credibility, fairness and effectiveness of the regulatory system, write Gene Ludwig and Wayne Rushton.

Real due process in bank supervision is not merely administrative housekeeping — it is fundamental to the credibility, fairness and effectiveness of the regulatory system, write Gene Ludwig and Wayne Rushton.

The warning is of ‘systemic threat.’ The talk is of mitigation and fixing problems later.

The warning is of ‘systemic threat.’ The talk is of mitigation and fixing problems later.

At the IIF Annual Membership Meeting, Gene Ludwig joined global financial leaders to discuss evolving policy priorities, from Basel III finalization to the growing focus on NBFIs, non-financial risks, and the challenges of global consensus building.

At the IIF Annual Membership Meeting, Gene Ludwig joined global financial leaders to discuss evolving policy priorities, from Basel III finalization to the growing focus on NBFIs, non-financial risks, and the challenges of global consensus building.

A third of staff set to depart US regulator, but some teams will suffer much heavier losses. That is sparking concerns the prudential regulator may become unable to carry out some of its responsibilities adequately.

A third of staff set to depart US regulator, but some teams will suffer much heavier losses. That is sparking concerns the prudential regulator may become unable to carry out some of its responsibilities adequately.

The next few months could be defining for U.S. financial regulation, and banks have an important role to play.

The next few months could be defining for U.S. financial regulation, and banks have an important role to play.

The perennial effort by state-level lawmakers and regulators to impose their will on national banks risks damaging a well-balanced system that has allowed the U.S. economy to thrive, writes Gene Ludwig

The perennial effort by state-level lawmakers and regulators to impose their will on national banks risks damaging a well-balanced system that has allowed the U.S. economy to thrive, writes Gene Ludwig

From charters and customer data to “debanking” and M&A, the rules of competition in banking are shifting fast — and the institutions that adapt early will have the edge.

From charters and customer data to “debanking” and M&A, the rules of competition in banking are shifting fast — and the institutions that adapt early will have the edge.

Who owns bank customers' data? It's a murky legal question, and answering it will determine the relationship between banks and fintechs in a future of open banking, writes Gene Ludwig.

Who owns bank customers' data? It's a murky legal question, and answering it will determine the relationship between banks and fintechs in a future of open banking, writes Gene Ludwig.

Rules give regional banks an incentive to leap, not crawl, over key asset lines.

Rules give regional banks an incentive to leap, not crawl, over key asset lines.

From chartering strategies to evolving risk, today’s environment demands more than ambition. Sound regulatory practices and strategic prudence are fast becoming key drivers of long-term success.

From chartering strategies to evolving risk, today’s environment demands more than ambition. Sound regulatory practices and strategic prudence are fast becoming key drivers of long-term success.

We could be on the cusp of serious economic instability. Smart bankers should take the time to do a deep dive into the risk profile of their customers, and identify potential trouble spots, writes Gene Ludwig.

We could be on the cusp of serious economic instability. Smart bankers should take the time to do a deep dive into the risk profile of their customers, and identify potential trouble spots, writes Gene Ludwig.

A carefully evaluated growth risk management strategy can help banks seize current expansion opportunities without sacrificing soundness or profitability.

A carefully evaluated growth risk management strategy can help banks seize current expansion opportunities without sacrificing soundness or profitability.

We can’t build sound policy on outdated metrics or regulate the future with rules from the past. As Gene Ludwig explains in Starling's 2025 Compendium, legacy frameworks in economic measurement and financial regulation are falling short. Stability and progress demand modern tools: sound data, smart oversight, and policy built for today’s economy.

We can’t build sound policy on outdated metrics or regulate the future with rules from the past. As Gene Ludwig explains in Starling's 2025 Compendium, legacy frameworks in economic measurement and financial regulation are falling short. Stability and progress demand modern tools: sound data, smart oversight, and policy built for today’s economy.

The United States has benefited from foreign financial institutions investing, lending, and employing at scale within its borders. But a provision in the “Big Beautiful Bill” threatens to reverse that trend.

The United States has benefited from foreign financial institutions investing, lending, and employing at scale within its borders. But a provision in the “Big Beautiful Bill” threatens to reverse that trend.

It is time we work to support institutions in trouble, rather than simply punishing the institutions and the public, writes Gene Ludwig.

It is time we work to support institutions in trouble, rather than simply punishing the institutions and the public, writes Gene Ludwig.

As the public well runs shallower, it is the regulated banking system — with its scale, infrastructure, and community roots — that must dig deeper.

As the public well runs shallower, it is the regulated banking system — with its scale, infrastructure, and community roots — that must dig deeper.

The size definitions used to classify banks are like a suit tailored in a different era. Over time, the financial body has changed but we've failed to alter the suit.

The size definitions used to classify banks are like a suit tailored in a different era. Over time, the financial body has changed but we've failed to alter the suit.

The Milken Institute’s Global Conference is a mecca for personal and corporate brand building. The question on the mind of the Wall Street CEOs and Washington power brokers wandering the halls of the Beverly Hilton is whether the U.S. brand has entered a sustained decline.

The Milken Institute’s Global Conference is a mecca for personal and corporate brand building. The question on the mind of the Wall Street CEOs and Washington power brokers wandering the halls of the Beverly Hilton is whether the U.S. brand has entered a sustained decline.

With a new regulatory team emerging under a new administration, the financial industry faces one of those rare windows where meaningful reform is actually possible. We should not let this opportunity slip through the cracks.

With a new regulatory team emerging under a new administration, the financial industry faces one of those rare windows where meaningful reform is actually possible. We should not let this opportunity slip through the cracks.

Most took the blessing of the Capital One-Discover deal as a sign that the current crop of regulators isn’t going to stand in the way of bank mergers — even large ones. Inside the industry, however, there is still a fair amount of uncertainty about whether the Trump administration is truly keen on opening up the floodgates.

Most took the blessing of the Capital One-Discover deal as a sign that the current crop of regulators isn’t going to stand in the way of bank mergers — even large ones. Inside the industry, however, there is still a fair amount of uncertainty about whether the Trump administration is truly keen on opening up the floodgates.

An administration willing to rethink longstanding regulatory norms could implement targeted reforms that unlock the potential for increased investment, innovation, and job creation across the country.

An administration willing to rethink longstanding regulatory norms could implement targeted reforms that unlock the potential for increased investment, innovation, and job creation across the country.

In the newest "Current Account" episode, Ludwig Advisors Founder and CEO Eugene Ludwig joins Clay Lowery to discuss where financial regulation may be headed during this period of transition—from shifts in the regulatory approach under the new administration to Basel III, digital assets, and the U.S. posture relative to other global jurisdictions.

In the newest "Current Account" episode, Ludwig Advisors Founder and CEO Eugene Ludwig joins Clay Lowery to discuss where financial regulation may be headed during this period of transition—from shifts in the regulatory approach under the new administration to Basel III, digital assets, and the U.S. posture relative to other global jurisdictions.

Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney Hood on Monday said his agency would explore potential ways banks can use financial technology when evaluating borrowers who have historically struggled to obtain loans.

Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney Hood on Monday said his agency would explore potential ways banks can use financial technology when evaluating borrowers who have historically struggled to obtain loans.

Regulatory reform in banking has often been compared to moving a giant boulder uphill—slow, cumbersome, and requiring immense coordination. But every so often, the incline flattens just enough to make meaningful progress possible.

Regulatory reform in banking has often been compared to moving a giant boulder uphill—slow, cumbersome, and requiring immense coordination. But every so often, the incline flattens just enough to make meaningful progress possible.

Past efforts to restructure bank supervision have been derailed by politics and agency turf wars. It remains to be seen whether the Trump administration is willing to spend the political capital necessary to see it through, writes Gene Ludwig

Past efforts to restructure bank supervision have been derailed by politics and agency turf wars. It remains to be seen whether the Trump administration is willing to spend the political capital necessary to see it through, writes Gene Ludwig

Policymakers, academics and industry experts provide valuable insights into the flaws of the current supervision regime and how that regime has lost its way.

Policymakers, academics and industry experts provide valuable insights into the flaws of the current supervision regime and how that regime has lost its way.

Washington is awash with talk about how the new Trump administration could upend the United States' bloated and unevenly harsh banking regulation. Banks may now find it easier to merge and to chase new businesses. But large and lasting changes to the landscape and methods of banking supervision in the US won’t be quick or easy.

Washington is awash with talk about how the new Trump administration could upend the United States' bloated and unevenly harsh banking regulation. Banks may now find it easier to merge and to chase new businesses. But large and lasting changes to the landscape and methods of banking supervision in the US won’t be quick or easy.

As leadership changes at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, banks are left waiting to see what rules might be undone.

As leadership changes at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, banks are left waiting to see what rules might be undone.

As bankers know all too well, regulations alone are often too burdensome. But those rules are only the tip of the iceberg. Bank supervision is often the real cause of excess burden.

As bankers know all too well, regulations alone are often too burdensome. But those rules are only the tip of the iceberg. Bank supervision is often the real cause of excess burden.

Modernization of the bank regulatory system is essential, but it is a task that requires precision and the thoughtful application of some basic principles.

Modernization of the bank regulatory system is essential, but it is a task that requires precision and the thoughtful application of some basic principles.

As the regulatory landscape shifts, bank boards can no longer afford to be passive recipients of examiner guidance.

As the regulatory landscape shifts, bank boards can no longer afford to be passive recipients of examiner guidance.

Recent and anticipated departures from key financial regulatory agencies have understandably raised questions about potential major shifts in regulatory priorities. While a deregulatory mood will indeed prevail within both the new administration and the agencies, we predict that, in the end, the change will be less “revolutionary” than “evolutionary.”

Recent and anticipated departures from key financial regulatory agencies have understandably raised questions about potential major shifts in regulatory priorities. While a deregulatory mood will indeed prevail within both the new administration and the agencies, we predict that, in the end, the change will be less “revolutionary” than “evolutionary.”

Some reforms to the Federal Home Loan Bank System might be necessary, but it would be unwise to eliminate a critical source of funding for banks across the country, write Ludwig Advisors' Eugene Ludwig and James Hilton.

Some reforms to the Federal Home Loan Bank System might be necessary, but it would be unwise to eliminate a critical source of funding for banks across the country, write Ludwig Advisors' Eugene Ludwig and James Hilton.

Like barnacles on a ship, regulations tend to accumulate without being changed or withdrawn until a deliberate effort to upgrade them occurs. Absent such a modernization effort, the sheer volume of regulation doesn’t make the system safer—it weighs it down.

Like barnacles on a ship, regulations tend to accumulate without being changed or withdrawn until a deliberate effort to upgrade them occurs. Absent such a modernization effort, the sheer volume of regulation doesn’t make the system safer—it weighs it down.

Trump’s day-one deregulation vow thrills bankers, but legal constraints and crypto shifts loom large.

Trump’s day-one deregulation vow thrills bankers, but legal constraints and crypto shifts loom large.

If the Trump administration is really planning to trim back regulations on banking and financial services firms, the industry needs to get out in front of the process by identifying necessary reforms, writes Gene Ludwig.

If the Trump administration is really planning to trim back regulations on banking and financial services firms, the industry needs to get out in front of the process by identifying necessary reforms, writes Gene Ludwig.

While "normalcy bias" may serve as a coping mechanism for everyday stresses, it’s imperative that our most sophisticated financial institutions and their overseeing regulators resist its allure. They must adopt a perspective that views risk in the harshest, most realistic light.

While "normalcy bias" may serve as a coping mechanism for everyday stresses, it’s imperative that our most sophisticated financial institutions and their overseeing regulators resist its allure. They must adopt a perspective that views risk in the harshest, most realistic light.

As the private credit market expands, it raises critical questions about its impact on the broader economy. Can we trust that the lower leverage ratios of private credit funds compared to banks will insulate us from a crisis? Or is this a ticking time bomb waiting to explode?

As the private credit market expands, it raises critical questions about its impact on the broader economy. Can we trust that the lower leverage ratios of private credit funds compared to banks will insulate us from a crisis? Or is this a ticking time bomb waiting to explode?

One wonders if the nonbank financial system, with its limited regulation, could be considered a modern-day "wildcat" system ripe for instability, writes former Comptroller of the Currency Eugene Ludwig.

One wonders if the nonbank financial system, with its limited regulation, could be considered a modern-day "wildcat" system ripe for instability, writes former Comptroller of the Currency Eugene Ludwig.

The banking industry is expected to win big as former President Donald Trump returns to the White House, ushering in Republican regulators who are expected to ease capital rules and merger approvals, industry experts and analysts said.

The banking industry is expected to win big as former President Donald Trump returns to the White House, ushering in Republican regulators who are expected to ease capital rules and merger approvals, industry experts and analysts said.

Wall Street executives by and large are looking forward to business-friendly regulations as they analyze the implications of a second Donald Trump presidency, while some bankers were immediately tasked with discussing potential deals.

Wall Street executives by and large are looking forward to business-friendly regulations as they analyze the implications of a second Donald Trump presidency, while some bankers were immediately tasked with discussing potential deals.

Finance industry steps up effort to further undermine Basel III endgame after winning major concessions on terms.

Finance industry steps up effort to further undermine Basel III endgame after winning major concessions on terms.

Despite the anticipation of a new era in banking and regulation post-election, the reality is that the existing systems and bureaucratic machinery are likely to remain largely unchanged.

Despite the anticipation of a new era in banking and regulation post-election, the reality is that the existing systems and bureaucratic machinery are likely to remain largely unchanged.

"Attempts by states to deprive national banks, consumers, and businesses of a uniform set of standards and practices is anti-free market, anti-consumer, and contrary to the safe and sound operation of national banks,” said Ludwig and Dugan.

"Attempts by states to deprive national banks, consumers, and businesses of a uniform set of standards and practices is anti-free market, anti-consumer, and contrary to the safe and sound operation of national banks,” said Ludwig and Dugan.

Two former comptrollers of the currency argue that state-level efforts to regulate nationally chartered banks fly in the face of both the law and good sense.

Two former comptrollers of the currency argue that state-level efforts to regulate nationally chartered banks fly in the face of both the law and good sense.

Two landmark decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court have handed the banking industry a potent judicial weapon against regulatory overreach. Is that a good thing?

Two landmark decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court have handed the banking industry a potent judicial weapon against regulatory overreach. Is that a good thing?

Effective supervision is a “ground game” that necessitates ongoing interactions between supervisors and banks.

Effective supervision is a “ground game” that necessitates ongoing interactions between supervisors and banks.

Artificial intelligence is poised to become an integral part of the financial system. But, banks must remain vigilant in assessing the potential risks, including the growing threat of cyberattacks. By understanding these risks and taking proactive measures, banks can safeguard their operations and protect their customers' sensitive information.

Artificial intelligence is poised to become an integral part of the financial system. But, banks must remain vigilant in assessing the potential risks, including the growing threat of cyberattacks. By understanding these risks and taking proactive measures, banks can safeguard their operations and protect their customers' sensitive information.

Cash flow underwriting has long been a hit with fintechs. Understanding how money flows in and out of a consumer's bank account or brokerage account, many feel, gives a clearer perspective on a potential borrower's financial picture and ability to repay a loan than does the traditional bank loan decision system, which relies heavily on a person's FICO score and select pieces of credit bureau data that are often a few months old.

Cash flow underwriting has long been a hit with fintechs. Understanding how money flows in and out of a consumer's bank account or brokerage account, many feel, gives a clearer perspective on a potential borrower's financial picture and ability to repay a loan than does the traditional bank loan decision system, which relies heavily on a person's FICO score and select pieces of credit bureau data that are often a few months old.

Just months after the shocking unraveling of Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic Bank last year, Michael Barr unveiled a new set of guardrails for the US’s biggest lenders and an uncompromising defense of why they were needed.

Just months after the shocking unraveling of Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic Bank last year, Michael Barr unveiled a new set of guardrails for the US’s biggest lenders and an uncompromising defense of why they were needed.

Federal preemption, long a flash point in financial services, has been a pretty staid policy area in recent years. That’s now changing in a big way — creating headaches for financial firms – as both red and blue state politicians target the industry with a series of new legal requirements, often tied up in the culture wars.

Federal preemption, long a flash point in financial services, has been a pretty staid policy area in recent years. That’s now changing in a big way — creating headaches for financial firms – as both red and blue state politicians target the industry with a series of new legal requirements, often tied up in the culture wars.

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and evolving customer expectations are reshaping the competitive landscape. Data is emerging as a critical differentiator.

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and evolving customer expectations are reshaping the competitive landscape. Data is emerging as a critical differentiator.

It has never been more important for banks, particularly those over $10 billion in assets, to establish ironclad data quality, governance, and control standards. Failure to do so will have cascading negative consequences, writes Eugene Ludwig.

It has never been more important for banks, particularly those over $10 billion in assets, to establish ironclad data quality, governance, and control standards. Failure to do so will have cascading negative consequences, writes Eugene Ludwig.

The Supreme Court's recent decisions in Loper Bright and Jarkesy have ignited a fierce debate about the balance of power between federal agencies, the judiciary, and banks. By curtailing agency discretion and expanding the scope of jury trials, these rulings mark a significant shift in administrative law.

The Supreme Court's recent decisions in Loper Bright and Jarkesy have ignited a fierce debate about the balance of power between federal agencies, the judiciary, and banks. By curtailing agency discretion and expanding the scope of jury trials, these rulings mark a significant shift in administrative law.

The basics of good banking — a strong balance sheet, customer service and solid risk analysis — will always be important. But in the future, technological competence will be the difference between the sector's winners and losers.

The basics of good banking — a strong balance sheet, customer service and solid risk analysis — will always be important. But in the future, technological competence will be the difference between the sector's winners and losers.

With the line between banks and fintechs growing ever blurrier, financial services supervisors ought to consider adjusting regulation to fit the kinds of activity an institution is engaged in.

With the line between banks and fintechs growing ever blurrier, financial services supervisors ought to consider adjusting regulation to fit the kinds of activity an institution is engaged in.

Can banks and regulators collaborate to create a win-win situation? Can simplifying and focusing regulations create a safer, more-flexible banking system that serves American businesses and consumers more effectively?

Can banks and regulators collaborate to create a win-win situation? Can simplifying and focusing regulations create a safer, more-flexible banking system that serves American businesses and consumers more effectively?

The question is not whether there will be an economic downturn or whether banks will have to manage problem loans and regulatory scrutiny. It's how regulators and banks can do better during the next downturn than they have done in the past.

The question is not whether there will be an economic downturn or whether banks will have to manage problem loans and regulatory scrutiny. It's how regulators and banks can do better during the next downturn than they have done in the past.

Proposed bank regulations are a key topic in Washington, but recent turmoil at the FDIC and strong industry opposition have slowed their progress. The question remains: will the Fed finalize its "Endgame" proposal before the upcoming elections?

Proposed bank regulations are a key topic in Washington, but recent turmoil at the FDIC and strong industry opposition have slowed their progress. The question remains: will the Fed finalize its "Endgame" proposal before the upcoming elections?

RegFi co-hosts Jerry Buckley and Caroline Stapleton welcome Eugene Ludwig to discuss the decline in economic opportunities for middle- and low-income Americans.

RegFi co-hosts Jerry Buckley and Caroline Stapleton welcome Eugene Ludwig to discuss the decline in economic opportunities for middle- and low-income Americans.

Globalization has made the world smaller. At the same time, it has made consumer lending bigger and far more complex. Gaps in traditional credit reports and increased unpredictability from the diversification of borrowers have complicated many credit decisions and changed the way we think about underwriting models.

Globalization has made the world smaller. At the same time, it has made consumer lending bigger and far more complex. Gaps in traditional credit reports and increased unpredictability from the diversification of borrowers have complicated many credit decisions and changed the way we think about underwriting models.

Many banking organizations need to merge to meet the new tougher regulatory expectations and compete with non-banks. But mergers are now becoming tougher, not easier. Are regulators tilting the playing field so much that healthy market forces will be frustrated to the detriment of sound bank operation?

Many banking organizations need to merge to meet the new tougher regulatory expectations and compete with non-banks. But mergers are now becoming tougher, not easier. Are regulators tilting the playing field so much that healthy market forces will be frustrated to the detriment of sound bank operation?

After the economic carnage of the global financial crisis in 2008, a new US government agency was formed to centralize consumer protection and guard against corporate wrongdoing that affects individuals. As part of its series on economic populism and banks, American Banker explores how the CFPB interacts with this idea of government protecting people from business.

After the economic carnage of the global financial crisis in 2008, a new US government agency was formed to centralize consumer protection and guard against corporate wrongdoing that affects individuals. As part of its series on economic populism and banks, American Banker explores how the CFPB interacts with this idea of government protecting people from business.

After nearly three decades of intense consolidation, is it time to reassess the benefits of mergers and acquisitions?

After nearly three decades of intense consolidation, is it time to reassess the benefits of mergers and acquisitions?

The removal of preemption would lead to regulatory uncertainty, stifle innovation, and ultimately harm the competitiveness of the U.S. financial system.

The removal of preemption would lead to regulatory uncertainty, stifle innovation, and ultimately harm the competitiveness of the U.S. financial system.

America’s regulators are proposing a regime that is stricter than the globally agreed standard, provoking a backlash from its banks.

America’s regulators are proposing a regime that is stricter than the globally agreed standard, provoking a backlash from its banks.

The ability of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to preempt state banking laws on behalf of nationally chartered banks must be preserved, writes former U.S. Comptroller of the Currency Eugene Ludwig.

The ability of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to preempt state banking laws on behalf of nationally chartered banks must be preserved, writes former U.S. Comptroller of the Currency Eugene Ludwig.

As January fades and the one-year anniversary of the most-recent banking crisis casts a long shadow, American financial institutions find themselves staring down a turbulent 2024.

As January fades and the one-year anniversary of the most-recent banking crisis casts a long shadow, American financial institutions find themselves staring down a turbulent 2024.

In Part 1, Gene Ludwig unravels the intricate web of factors behind last spring's disastrous bank failures — technological manipulation exploited regulatory gaps, sparking panic and triggering collapse. In Part 2, Gene moves beyond the post-mortem and into proactive defense, taking up the tools to build a financial future more resilient against tomorrow's tremors.

In Part 1, Gene Ludwig unravels the intricate web of factors behind last spring's disastrous bank failures — technological manipulation exploited regulatory gaps, sparking panic and triggering collapse. In Part 2, Gene moves beyond the post-mortem and into proactive defense, taking up the tools to build a financial future more resilient against tomorrow's tremors.

The Spring 2023 bank runs sent shockwaves through the financial system and gave us a terrifying glimpse into a new era of systemic risk. In a new two-part op-ed, Gene Ludwig dissects these novel vulnerabilities, suggesting limitations in our current regulatory framework and outlining steps for a more dynamic and adaptable system.

The Spring 2023 bank runs sent shockwaves through the financial system and gave us a terrifying glimpse into a new era of systemic risk. In a new two-part op-ed, Gene Ludwig dissects these novel vulnerabilities, suggesting limitations in our current regulatory framework and outlining steps for a more dynamic and adaptable system.

The regulatory environment has changed since the 2023 bank failures. Supervision has become more intrusive and banks need to place more emphasis on communication and responsiveness.

The regulatory environment has changed since the 2023 bank failures. Supervision has become more intrusive and banks need to place more emphasis on communication and responsiveness.

If you were looking for someone to weigh in on bank regulators' ability to keep up with advances in technology, you'd have trouble finding anyone better informed, and holding clearer opinions, than Eugene Ludwig. In an interview just before the new year started, Ludwig reflected on the struggles fintechs have had in the past year and what lies ahead for banks and fintechs in 2024.

If you were looking for someone to weigh in on bank regulators' ability to keep up with advances in technology, you'd have trouble finding anyone better informed, and holding clearer opinions, than Eugene Ludwig. In an interview just before the new year started, Ludwig reflected on the struggles fintechs have had in the past year and what lies ahead for banks and fintechs in 2024.

The fintech revolution has been more successful at working with banks than at trying to replace them, points out Gene Ludwig. Those with "must have" products will fare far better in 2024 than those with "nice to have" tools, he says.

The fintech revolution has been more successful at working with banks than at trying to replace them, points out Gene Ludwig. Those with "must have" products will fare far better in 2024 than those with "nice to have" tools, he says.

The drift from fundamental safety-and-soundness analysis to rigid views of how a bank must be managed, if left unchecked, will contribute to a diminution in the importance of the banking industry in the American financial landscape and a failure to appreciate the vital role banks of different types play in meeting the economic needs of consumers and businesses alike.

The drift from fundamental safety-and-soundness analysis to rigid views of how a bank must be managed, if left unchecked, will contribute to a diminution in the importance of the banking industry in the American financial landscape and a failure to appreciate the vital role banks of different types play in meeting the economic needs of consumers and businesses alike.

Banking supervisors need to focus on the “big issues” of safety and soundness and get away from trying to manage banks, former Comptroller of the Currency Eugene Ludwig said. Ludwig, who led the OCC from 1993 to 1998, was one of four panelists who took part in a discussion on the market outlook for the banking sector during The Clearing House’s annual conference in New York City.

Banking supervisors need to focus on the “big issues” of safety and soundness and get away from trying to manage banks, former Comptroller of the Currency Eugene Ludwig said. Ludwig, who led the OCC from 1993 to 1998, was one of four panelists who took part in a discussion on the market outlook for the banking sector during The Clearing House’s annual conference in New York City.

We need nuanced regulation and supervisory practices that recognize the distinct qualities of each enterprise being supervised. By doing so, we can preserve one of the special strengths of the U.S. economy.

We need nuanced regulation and supervisory practices that recognize the distinct qualities of each enterprise being supervised. By doing so, we can preserve one of the special strengths of the U.S. economy.

The United States is blessed with banks of all sizes, each tailored to fit the needs of our diverse economy. However, policymakers have come to underappreciate the importance of mid-sized banks to the economy — banks with asset sizes ranging from $10 billion to $700 billion.

The United States is blessed with banks of all sizes, each tailored to fit the needs of our diverse economy. However, policymakers have come to underappreciate the importance of mid-sized banks to the economy — banks with asset sizes ranging from $10 billion to $700 billion.