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The article reports on the decision of some U.S. banks to retain mortgage servicing rights (MSR) amid higher interest rates in the last quarter of 2016. Topics discussed include the decision of some banks to ditch the servicing of assets due to low rates, the increase in the yield of the 10-year Treasury since November 8, and the possible rise in interest rates. The ability of higher-valued MSR assets to produce higher levels of mortgage banking income is mentioned.

Focuses on various factors responsible for an increase in the domestic and foreign deposits at the largest U.S. banks for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2002. Aggressive marketing along with offers of free checking and higher interest rates; Introduction of new products and services; Perception about the security associated with bank deposits.

The article discusses the need of the banking industry to succeed through competitive distinctiveness. Banks avoided this approach as they were riding high on the roaring market of retail banking. For banks aiming for distinctiveness, the moral is to create an emotional bonding with customers backed by carefully chosen blends of strengths. Customers who fall for brand imagery expect something special from the bank in terms ofservice, convenience, community involvement and products.

The article discusses that banking company Wells Fargo & Co. has cut the principal for delinquent modified loan borrowers. Wells is using strategies such as interest rate reductions, term extensions and interest-only loans to assist borrowers. Wells wants to help the most troubled customers and has offered principal discounts as high as 30 percent.

This article reports that although a wave of mergers seems to threaten ad spending in the distressed banking industry, there may be a counter balance as bankers fight harder than ever to keep their customers. Low interest rates, with the resulting demand for mutual funds, stocks, bonds and other financial products, have pummeled the banking industry as consumers invest elsewhere. The Bank Marketing Association reports that the average bank regardless of size spent $4.9 million on marketing in 1991, a 35% drop from 1990 that the association attributes to cutbacks by big money center banks.

The article looks at the history of free banking in various countries. Topics discussed include the Bank of Mutual Redemption in Boston, Massachusetts offers free banking services through its banknote clearinghouse, the Scottish free-banking system that was implemented from 1716 to 1845 focused on services that offered a narrow gap between deposit and discount rates of interest, and the free banking system in France after the French Revolution.