Did you miss out on a chance to transfer your money from Bank of America to a local bank or credit union on Bank Transfer Day last November, but want to get rid of the bank that considers paying the nominal SEC fees they're fined every month as "the cost of doing business?" Here's another reason to do so. more ›

Yesterday a former Swiss banker handed over data concerning about 2,000 cross border bank accounts to Wikileaks. The Tribune reports Rudolf Elmer, former CEO of Julius Bayer Bank and Trust Company, Ltd. alleges the files contain information that show business leaders and lawmaker's attempts to avoid paying taxes. In addition, he said he may provide the files to the British government for investigations into criminal wrongdoing. Elmer did not disclose details of the companies or people contained in the documents. more ›

Today wrapped up the “Showdown in Chicago,” a three day long protest aimed at the American Bankers Association conference at the Sheraton Hotel this week. The umbrella organization sharing the “showdown” moniker staged several rallies and actions throughout the loop beginning with a rally on Sunday at the Hyatt. Senator Dick Durbin called out bankers at the rally, saying “We need to ensure that the robber barons that are responsible for this recession don't get away with creating it and then declaring themselves a dividend." more ›

On Sunday, The American Bankers Association begins a four day long convention that hopes to “rebuild our future, community by community.” The conference features a who’s who of financial celebrities including FDIC Chair Sheila C Blair along with conservative political columnist George Will and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. With plenty of power breakfasts, optional tours and fancy receptions, this year’s $1600+ convention is a must attend for anyone interested in hobnobbing with bailout beneficiaries. more ›

The saga of Mr. Beef's recent misfortunes continues today as co-owner Joseph Zucchero testifies before Congress regarding his recent struggles with Midwest Bank, which holds the lien on the River North institution, has cut off Zucchero's line of credit, and threatens to foreclose on the restaurant. This despite Midwest Bank recently being the recipient of $85 million in TARP funds from the Treasury Department. From the Tribune's "Swamp" Washington Bureau blog more ›

Two Chase banks, one on the 800 block of South Wabash Avenue and the other on the 1100 block of North Clark, were robbed within 7 minutes of each other earlier this morning. No one was hurt in either robbery, and the police and FBI are investigating. [Trib]
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