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Banks & Credit Unions
 Websites presented in alphabetical order The Adventure of Wells Fargo 
 A collection of "stories taken from the historical archives of Wells Fargo that let you discover life as it was on the Western Frontier." Includes vignettes about stagecoach drivers, traveling conditions and etiquette, the bank's business relationship with Chinese communities, the meeting of Henry Wells and William Fargo, and more. https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/history/adventure/ Topics: Business, Industries, Nonfiction by Genre, Society & Social Science, United States History Last updated Sep 25, 2008 Alternatives for Distressed Banks and the Panics of the Great Depression
This December 2007 research paper "investigates whether the [banking] panics [during the Great Depression] resulted in the failure and liquidation of banks that might otherwise have been able to pursue a less disruptive resolution strategies such as merging with another institution or suspending operations and recapitalizing." Discusses financial situations of banks that failed and banks that survived, and different types of resolution strategies. From the Federal Reserve Board. http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/feds/2008/200807/200807abs.html Topics: Finance, United States History Last updated Oct 28, 2008 America's Money Crisis
Collection of news and analysis about the problems with U.S. financial markets, which began in September 2008. Includes a timeline of the crisis back to September 14, 2008, discussion of actions by the government to bail out failing financial institutions and efforts of the Big Three auto makers to obtain bailout funds, news about stock market activity, and related topics. From CNNMoney, a service of CNN, Fortune, and Money. http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/crisiswallstreet/2008/ Topics: Finance Last updated Nov 26, 2008 ATM Locator
A directory of ATMs worldwide. Some listings provide a map. Includes ATMs in airports. From VISA. http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/ Topics: Finance, Money Last updated Jul 31, 2005 ATM Safety: Common Sense Tips for Combating Crooks
Safety tips for using automated teller machines (ATMs), including guidelines for protection of your ATM card and personal identification number (PIN), choice of ATMs, and withdrawal of cash. Includes a link to a related page on laws protecting ATM users. From the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnspr04/atm.html Topics: Finance, Money Last updated Jul 13, 2004 Bank Data and Statistics
Quick links to bank data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), including databases and reports about FDIC-insured institutions, financial information and reports, and bank rating services. Find beneficial ownership filings, uniform bank performance reports, deposit market share reports, historical statistics on banking, and more. From the FDIC. http://www.fdic.gov/bank/statistical/ Topics: Money Last updated Sep 16, 2008 Bank Holding Company Act
Text of this federal law that defines a bank holding company as "any company which has control over any bank or over any company that is or becomes a bank holding company by virtue of this Act." Also find code definitions for terms such as thrift institutions and financial holding companies, prohibited and exempt activities, exemptions, and much more. From the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/rules/6000-100.html Topics: Finance Last updated Sep 23, 2008 Baseline Scenario
This blog, written by economics experts, is "dedicated to explaining some of the key issues in the global economy and developing concrete policy proposals." Some of the topics covered include banking, mortgages, economic stimulus, and regulation. In addition to ongoing blog entries, it features a "Financial Crisis for Beginners" section and links to related content written by the authors for other publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post. http://baselinescenario.com/ Topics: Economics, Finance Last updated Jun 22, 2009 The Beige Book: Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions by Federal Reserve District
This Federal Reserve Board report is "published eight times per year. Each Federal Reserve Bank gathers anecdotal information on current economic conditions in its District through reports from Bank and Branch directors and interviews with key business contacts, economists, market experts, and other sources." This report "summarizes this information by District and sector." Contains reports dating back to 1996. Includes link the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis archive (1970 to present). http://www.federalreserve.gov/FOMC/BeigeBook/2008/ Topics: Federal (U.S.) Government, Finance, Money Last updated Dec 15, 2008 Central Bank Websites
Regularly updated list of the Web sites of the central banks of more than 130 countries. There is also an archive (back to 1997) of the major speeches of senior central bankers. http://www.bis.org/cbanks.htm Topics: Finance, Money Last updated Jul 14, 2003 The Changing World of Banking
"The history of the interaction between American banking and American government is the subject of this web-based exhibit. It focuses on the rise of the national banking system and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which was established to supervise it." Coverage is from the late 18th century through the start of the 21st century; includes information on major bank crashes and the creation of federal deposit insurance. http://www.occ.treas.gov/exhibits/histor1.htm Topics: Finance, Money Last updated Mar 6, 2004 The Cost of the Savings and Loan Crisis: Truth and Consequences
This 2000 report considers the cost of the savings and loan crisis of the 1980s. This crisis "produced the greatest collapse of the U.S. financial institutions since the Great Depression. ... As of December 31, 1999, the thrift crisis had cost taxpayers approximately $124 billion." Includes material about the creation and operation of the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC). Opens directly into a PDF document. Form the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). http://www.fdic.gov/bank/analytical/banking/2000dec/brv13n2_2.pdf Topics: Finance Last updated Sep 22, 2008 Definition of BHCs and Banking Terms
This glossary defines terms related to banking and the bank holding company (BHC), a company "that owns and/or controls one or more U.S. banks or one that owns, or has controlling interest in, one or more banks." Some of the other terms defined here include agreement corporation, credit union, and financial holding company. A link on the top navigation bar goes to the top 50 BHCs. From the National Information Center (NIC), Federal Reserve System. http://www.ffiec.gov/nicpubweb/Content/HELP/Institution%20Type%20Description.htm Topics: Finance Last updated Sep 23, 2008 Deposit Insurance
"Learn how deposit insurance works and whether the [Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation] FDIC insures your deposits." Features a guide to the types of investments that are FDIC-insured (for up to $100,000, generally, and to $250,000 for certain retirement accounts) and those that are not insured (such as mutual funds), a bank look-up tool, general investment tips (such as looking for "Not FDIC Insured" disclosure), and related consumer materials. From the FDIC. http://www.fdic.gov/deposit/ Topics: Finance, Investing, Money Last updated Jul 17, 2007 Facts for Consumers: Electronic Check Conversion
This fact sheet explains electronic check conversion, "which converts information from your paper check into an electronic payment from your bank account." It addresses questions such as how to find out if a business uses electronic check conversion, how payment will be shown on your bank statement, avoiding bounced checks, checking for errors and unauthorized transactions, and related topics. From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre31.shtm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Jun 6, 2007 Failed Bank List
"This page contains useful information for the customers and vendors of these [failed] banks. This includes information on the acquiring bank (if applicable), how your accounts and loans are affected, and how vendors can file claims against the receivership. This list includes banks which have failed since October 1, 2000." Banks listed include Washington Mutual and IndyMac. From the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html Topics: Finance Last updated Sep 29, 2008 FDIC 75 Years
Website commemorating the 75 anniversary in 2008 of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signing legislation creating the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on June 16, 1933. Includes a timeline, video clip on anniversary events, a one-page document that provides an explanation of deposit insurance for consumers, and examples of FDIC advertising. From the FDIC. http://www.fdic.gov/anniversary/ Topics: Money Last updated Jul 14, 2008 FDIC Institution Directory
This database allows users to "obtain demographic data and financial profiles of each FDIC-insured depository institution derived from quarterly reports filed with Federal regulators." Search by certificate number, bank, geographic location, and more. Information returned includes balance sheet and income, loan portfolio/asset quality, and balance sheet details. Data is available back to December 1992. From the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. http://www3.fdic.gov/idasp/ Topics: Finance, Money Last updated Jan 4, 2002 Features & Commentary: Bailout
News coverage of the "U.S. financial sector [which] is in crisis [and the] ... broader economy [which] is officially in recession [as of December 2008]. The government has passed a bailout plan of unprecedented size and is considering bailouts for other industries and companies." Includes reports, commentary, videos, blogs, and other material on the auto industry, credit industry, stock market, and other financial and industry concerns. From the Nightly Business Report. http://www.pbs.org/nbr/site/features/special/bailout_home/ Topics: Finance, Industries Last updated Dec 8, 2008 Fed in Print
An index to Federal Reserve economic research documents. Search publications, many full text, by keyword, title, author, bank, publication year, and publication. Developed by the librarians of the Federal Reserve System. http://www.frbsf.org/publications/fedinprint/ Topics: Federal (U.S.) Government, Finance, Money Last updated Mar 12, 2004 FED101: The Federal Reserve Today
Contains information on the "history, monetary policy, regulatory functions, and financial services" of the Federal Reserve System. Includes a glossary, resources for teachers, quizzes, games, and more. http://www.federalreserveeducation.org/fed101/ Topics: Finance, Money Last updated Oct 10, 2005 Federal Reserve Board: About the Fed
Background information about the Federal Reserve System, which "serves as the nation's central bank. ... The System consists of a seven member Board of Governors with headquarters in Washington, D.C., and twelve Reserve Banks located in major cities throughout the United States." Covers the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 (which established the system), the structure of the system, purposes and function, board of governors, banks and bank presidents, and more. From the Federal Reserve Board. http://www.federalreserve.gov/aboutthefed/default.htm Topics: Federal (U.S.) Government, Finance, Money Last updated Dec 15, 2008 Federal Reserve Board: Consumer Information
Compilation of documents from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and links to related information on topics of interest to consumers. Topics include bank accounts and services, consumer credit, identity theft, leasing, mortgages (including adjustable rate mortgages), and personal finance. Most information also available in Spanish. http://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerinfo/default.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Money Last updated Dec 15, 2008 The Federal Reserve Board: Frequently Asked Questions: Monetary Policy
Brief questions and answers about "monetary policy [which] refers to the actions undertaken by a central bank, such as the Federal Reserve, to influence the availability and cost of money and credit as a means of helping to promote national economic goals." Includes answers to question about the federal funds rate, the discount rate, and how the Federal Reserve maintains the stability of the U.S. financial system. From the Federal Reserve Board (FRB). http://www.federalreserve.gov/generalinfo/faq/faqmpo.htm Topics: Money Last updated Mar 17, 2008 The Federal Reserve Board: Testimony of Federal Reserve Board Officials
Transcripts of testimony by Federal Reserve Board officials (Chairman Alan Greenspan and others) to the U.S. Congress, committees, and related groups. Topics include the economic outlook (such as changes in oil prices, interest rates, and housing prices), budget reforms, Social Security, and taxes. Includes transcripts back to 1996. Browsable by date. http://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/testimony/2005/ Topics: Federal (U.S.) Government, Finance, Money Last updated Jun 13, 2005 Frequently Asked Questions: The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)
Questions and answers about the "monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve System," which consists of the members of the Federal Reserve System Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve Bank presidents. Includes links to meeting statements and minutes, a meeting calendar, a list of committee members, and information about the structure and monetary policy of the committee. http://www.federalreserve.gov/generalinfo/faq/faqfomc.htm Topics: Federal (U.S.) Government, Finance, Money Last updated Jun 29, 2004 G-20
Website for the "Group of Twenty (G-20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors [which] was established in 1999 to bring together systemically important industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy." Provides background and a FAQ about the G-20, descriptions of working groups, press releases, and publications from summits, working groups, and other activities. Includes links to participating banks and government agencies from member countries. http://www.g20.org/ Topics: Economics, Money Last updated Apr 6, 2009 Government Studies and Deposit Insurance
A "listing of major U.S. government studies written after 1980 [through 2001] on the related topics of deposit insurance and bank failures. The studies touch upon a variety of issues ... including: the ... FDIC, the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), deposit insurance reform, [and] the causes of bank failures." Includes links to many of the documents. From the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). http://www.fdic.gov/bank/historical/govstudy/ Topics: Money Last updated Jul 14, 2008 Guide to the National Banking System
This April 2008 guide "provides an overview of the national banking system, its regulation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)." The national banking system was conceived by President Abraham Lincoln and Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase and "today ... consists of around 2,000 national banks, their branches, and other facilities." Opens directly into a PDF document. From the OCC, U.S. Department of the Treasury. http://www.occ.treas.gov/nb/nbguide.pdf Topics: Finance Last updated Sep 22, 2008 Harvard Business School: On the Global Economic Crisis
This site highlights research and commentary from Harvard Business School faculty on the global economic crisis. Find videos, articles from the Harvard publications (some material only available for purchase), and links to other news sources. Topics include consumer psychology, the opportunities in the economic downturn, recruiting, Obama's first 100 days, and more. From the Harvard Business School (HBS). http://www.hbs.edu/economic-crisis/ Topics: Finance Last updated May 15, 2009 Holocaust Victim Assets Litigation (Swiss Banks) CV-96-4849
"This is the official information website for the Holocaust Victim Assets Litigation against Swiss Banks and other Swiss Entities. You may have important rights under a proposed $1.25 billion (U.S.) Settlement of a class action lawsuit against private Swiss Banks and other Swiss Entities for their alleged conduct related to World War II and the Holocaust." Includes updates and proposals from dozens of people and organizations about distributing the funds. Much of the information is provided in 20 languages. http://www.swissbankclaims.com/ Topics: Crime, Finance, History, Judaism, Money Last updated Mar 28, 2004 How ATMs Work
Background about the workings of automatic teller machines (ATMs): "You put your bank card in, you take your bank card out. Wait for the beep and wave your dollars all about. Seems so easy a kid could do it -- but the technology inside is pretty cool." Discusses machine parts, how ATMs sense bills, ATM security, and related technology. From HowStuffWorks. http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/banking/atm.htm Topics: Money Last updated Sep 14, 2009 How Swiss Bank Accounts Work
This article aims to dispel myths propagated in popular culture (such as James Bond movies and "The Da Vinci Code") about the operation of Swiss bank accounts. "People who live in countries with unstable governments and banks in particular often turn to Swiss banks because of their security and privacy." Topics include private versus retail banking, Swiss bank account advantages, history, regulations, numbered accounts, and opening an account. From HowStuffWorks. http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/banking/swiss-bank-account.htm Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Finance Last updated Mar 16, 2009 Islamic Banking and Finance
Transcript from a series of lectures on Islamic finance "delivered at UCLA in a Fall 2001 seminar for the business community." Provides an overview of banking and finance in accordance with Islamic law, examples of Islamic banking in the private sector and at the state level, discussion of risk management and prospects for Islamic finance, and related material. From the UCLA International Institute. http://www.international.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=15056 Topics: Faiths, Finance Last updated Nov 13, 2006 Islamic Finance Project (IFP)
This project "aims to study the field of Islamic finance from the legal and shari'a [Islamic law based on the Quran] points of view by analyzing contemporary scholarship." The "DataBank" section (free registration required) features a bibliographic database with abstracts, a Shari'a database with Arabic and transliterated text and translations, and a glossary. Site also includes reports from forums and seminars. From the Harvard Law School Islamic Legal Studies Program (ILSP). http://ifptest.law.harvard.edu Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Faiths, Finance Last updated Nov 15, 2006 National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
"The National Credit Union Administration, governed by a three-member board appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, is the independent federal agency that charters and supervises federal credit unions." This site includes history and background information on credit unions, a FAQ, a directory of credit unions, credit union data, NCUA publications (such as opinion letters and interpretive rulings), and related legislation, news, and links. Searchable. http://www.ncua.gov/ Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Money Last updated Oct 6, 2003 Native American Banking Resource Directory
"This directory provides descriptions and contact information for a sampling of organizations that can provide resources to banks interested in lending, investing, or providing retail financial services" to American Indians. Features links to American Indian financial institutions, retail financial services, and resources on single-family, multi-family, public facilities, and commercial lending. From the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, U.S. Department of the Treasury. http://www.occ.treas.gov/cdd/Nativeam.htm Topics: Finance, Money, Native Americans Last updated Jun 22, 2005 Protecting Yourself From Overdraft and Bounced-Check Fees
This fact sheet discusses ways to avoid fees resulting from overdrawing your bank account. Topics include situations where an account may be overdrawn (checks, withdrawals, debit card purchase, and automatic bill payment), managing your bank account, courtesy overdraft protection (or bounce coverage) plans, and other ways to cover overdrafts. In English and Spanish. From the Federal Reserve Board. http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/bounce/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance Last updated Jun 6, 2006 The S&L Crisis: A Chrono-Bibliography
This site provides a chronology of the savings and loan crisis of the 1980s covering 1966-1989 along with listings of books and articles. Topics include causes of the S&L crisis, Charles Keating and Lincoln Savings and Loan, depository institutions deregulation, Financial Institution Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA), and state deposit insurance funds. From the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) library. http://www.fdic.gov/bank/historical/s&l/ Topics: Finance Last updated Sep 22, 2008 Safe Internet Banking
This site allows consumers to verify whether an Internet banking site is a legitimately-chartered or federally-insured depository institution. Includes advice, official memoranda from the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) to financial institutions on unauthorized banking operations, and instructions and form for reporting suspicious Internet banking sites. http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/online/safe.html Topics: Finance, Internet, Money Last updated Jun 21, 2006 Signature Guarantees: Preventing the Unauthorized Transfer of Securities
This fact sheet explains the use of signature guarantees for transferring securities. These guarantees help prevent forged signatures. It discusses the three Medallion signature guarantee programs, where to obtain a signature guarantee ("the best source ... would be a bank, savings and loan association, brokerage firm, or credit union with which you do business"), problems with foreign signature guarantees, and related topics. From the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). http://www.sec.gov/answers/sigguar.htm Topics: Finance, Investing Last updated Mar 19, 2008 Special Report: The Savings and Loan Crisis
This 1989 article discusses the savings and loan crisis of the 1980s, in which "[d]evastated by a legacy of bad management, rampant fraud and inept Government supervision, more than 500 of the 3,150 federally insured thrifts had fallen into insolvency as of the beginning of last year [1988]." Topics addressed include the "long-awaited bailout plan ... that will cost an estimated $126 billion during the next decade." From Time magazine. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,957083-1,00.html Topics: Finance Last updated Sep 24, 2008 Swiss Banking
Questions and answers about the Swiss banking system. Topics include whether a Swiss bank account can be opened entirely via the Internet, the difference between "anonymous" and "numbered" accounts, the safety of Swiss banks, and how "secret" Swiss banks are ("rights to privacy can be suspended when a criminal investigation is underway"). Includes links to related issues such as client confidentiality. From the Swiss Bankers Association. http://www.swissbanking.org/en/home/dossier-bankkunden/dossier-bankkunden-faq-kontoeroeffnung.htm Topics: Business & Consumer Law, Finance Last updated Apr 1, 2009 Today in History: August 24
Descriptions of two events on this date in history, the financial crisis known as the Panic of 1857, and the 1682 acquisition by William Penn of the "three 'lower counties' in the American colonies which later became the state of Delaware." Accompanied by images and many related links to Library of Congress materials. From the American Memory Project of the Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/aug24.html Topics: Finance, U.S. History By Place Last updated Aug 22, 2007 The Twelve Federal Reserve Districts
A map of the twelve U.S. Federal Reserve Banks, with addresses, phone numbers, and links to websites. From the Federal Reserve Board. http://www.federalreserve.gov/otherfrb.htm Topics: Finance, Money Last updated Feb 7, 2005 U.S. Department of State Telegram to All U.S. Diplomatic and Consular Posts Abroad Concerning Medallion Stamp Guarantees, May 21, 2001
This brief document describes the medallion signature (stamp) guarantee, which is "a special signature guarantee for the transfer of securities. It is a guarantee by the transferring financial institution that the signature is genuine and the financial institution accepts liability for any forgery." It also notes that medallion signature guarantee should not be confused with corporate acknowledgment or other notary services, and explains who can execute a signature guarantee. From the U.S. Department of State. http://www.state.gov/s/l/22700.htm Topics: Finance, Investing Last updated Mar 19, 2008 UNCDF Microfinance
Publications from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) about microfinance, which provides very small loans for businesses as "an effective means of contributing on a sustainable basis to poverty reduction." Provides basic facts and figures, microfinance policy and program details, and reports on microfinance in specific regions (such as Malawi), microfinance for women, and related topics. http://www.uncdf.org/english/microfinance/ Topics: Finance Last updated Oct 18, 2006 Wells, Fargo & Co.'s History Pages
"Over 150 years ago, Henry Wells and William G. Fargo founded a company [in San Francisco] that has become a legendary part of America," known for its banking operations and its stagecoaches. The site features a FAQ, company history (including information about Wells Fargo and black, women's, Hispanic, and veteran's history), information about stagecoaches and stagecoach travel, and about various Wells Fargo museums in California and other states. http://www.wellsfargohistory.com Topics: Business, Industries, United States History Last updated Jun 29, 2005 Why Don't Banks Fail Anymore?
This March 2006 article "marked the 639th day without a bank failure, the longest run in the ... [Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's] history. (The prior record, 609 days, ended in 1946, the year the best film about a busted bank, 'It's a Wonderful Life,' premiered.)" The article described changes in the banking industry and notes that "there are some clouds on the banking horizon," related to real estate and commercial lending. From Slate magazine. http://www.slate.com/id/2138752/ Topics: Finance Last updated Sep 29, 2008 World Bank
As a provider of economic assistance to more than 100 developing countries, the World Bank coordinates with private, government, multilateral, and non-government organizations to ensure that resources are used to full effect in supporting a country's efforts toward stable, sustainable, and equitable growth. This Web site provides information on health, education, the environment, private sector development, poverty, urban development, gender, and economic reform issues. Includes factual data on the countries that are assisted by the World Bank. Of particular usefulness is the searchable WDS database of the 6,000 plus World Bank publications, select full-text reports, and learning resources for teachers and students. http://www.worldbank.org/ Topics: Finance, International Governments, Money Last updated Feb 7, 2000 |
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