I recently had a startling realization: in a single day, the 375 or so people in my organization put in more work hours than I do in an entire year.

The top 25 mortgage lenders recently reported only 29,912 preapprovals resulted in mortgages used in a home purchase in 2012, according to data from the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council. That figure is down from 101,626 in 2007.

At least one ratings agency has approved a move by private equity firm KKR & Co. and other investors to inject another $300 million into First Data Corp., a major payments processing firm used by both credit unions and banks.

Fannie MaeandFreddie Machave made significant progress toward creating a joint entity which may eventually function as a market for mortgage-backed securities.

The SBA and the $620 million Alabama One Credit Union were among the victims of check kiting and other fraudulent activities allegedly committed by Danny Ray Butler, a businessman and real estate developer.

Eighteen percent of the workforce could retire within the next five years.

New Yorks ban on retailers charging a surcharge for credit card purchases was ruled unconstitutional Oct. 3 by a federal court judge.

Gary Perez is upbeat about the future of private student loans.