Banking & Investments

Banking & Wealth Management Briefs – February 2026

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Banking & Wealth Management Briefs – February 2026

As pennies disappear, Washington must address how retailers make change

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

When the federal government stopped making pennies, it left it up to states to decide how retailers deal with the change.

In Washington, lawmakers are trying to come up with a uniform approach for merchants that is easy to understand for consumers.

These are the states where incomes grew the most, least in recent decades

khardy@stateline.org — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Household incomes have grown in nearly every state over the past 50 years, but a new study concludes that growth has been uneven across the country.

Paid and volunteer boards shape bank, credit union leadership

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

While CEOs and other executives are often the most well-paid and public faces at the top of financial institutions, they are beholden to those who sit in the board room and scrutinize their institution’s financial performance, potential risks and long-range goals for growth.

Thinking about moving out of state to avoid Washington taxes?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Do Washington state taxes get you thinking of moving away?

Crypto exchange company reopens while state investigation continues

ty@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

A Seattle-based cryptocurrency exchange company that serves the Tri-Cities area has resumed full operations after state regulators ordered it to stop collecting any new funds and refund customers, alleging the firm wrongfully claimed millions of dollars of wired funds as its own income.

STCU steps up FAFSA support as completion rates lag

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 21:00:00 -0500

For anyone looking to get a jump on a New Year’s resolution that involves furthering their education, STCU stands ready to provide free assistance.

State issues cease and desist against cryptocurrency exchange company

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:00:00 -0500

State regulators have ordered a Seattle-based cryptocurrency exchange company that serves the Tri-Cities area to stop collecting any new funds and refund customers, alleging the firm wrongfully claimed millions of dollars of wired funds as its own income.

Gesa asks community join in holiday gift drive

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0500

Gesa Credit Union is kicking off its annual Holiday Gift Drive and is hoping the community will help it meet its goal of providing 500 gifts to several nonprofits.

WA’s new ban on medical debt in credit reports at risk of federal override

jgoldsteinstreet@washingtonstatestandard.com — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:49:48 -0500

Just months after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a Washington law to keep medical debt off consumers’ credit reports, the Trump administration is looking to block such policies.

Banner Corp. continues streak of climbing revenue

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0400

The parent company of Walla Walla-based Banner Bank has reported another quarter of strong growth.

Longtime Banner Bank customer wins grand prize

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

A Kennewick woman was the grand prize winner of Banner Bank’s Dream Big Sweepstakes, earning $100,000 in cash.

New Richland branch is 50th for STCU

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0400

Spokane-based credit union STCU has opened its 50th branch on Columbia Center Boulevard, the latest sign of its growing presence throughout the region.

Report: Gen Z credit scores drop, overall loan delinquency rates up

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 21:00:00 -0400

Inflation, federal policy shifts and economic uncertainty are pushing consumers to change their financial habits, though not without consequences.

Student-run branches give teens real-world financial edge, experience

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

High school students locally and across the state have the opportunity to get hands-on financial experience, thanks to a Richland-based credit union’s student program, now in its 25th year.

New Idaho bank opens in Richland to focus on small business

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

An Idaho-based bank has opened its sixth branch in Richland.

Q&A with Lindsey Myhre

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Q&A with Lindsey Myhre, president and CEO of STCU.

Kids can train their ‘savings’ dragon in credit union’s reimagined program

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

A local credit union has launched a new program with cool prizes to encourage kids to start saving money.

Tips for selling your business without losing your shirt – or your sanity

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

The process is part chess match and part marathon.

Tri-City companies make Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing list

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Two wealth management companies based in the Tri-Cities and three other businesses with offices here are among the 5,000 fastest-growing companies in the country, according to Inc. business magazine’s annual list.

Tri-Cities Area Credit Unions

nathan@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Tri-Cities Area Banks

nathan@tcjournal.biz — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Have you saved enough for retirement? Studies say probably not

ty@tcjournal.biz — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Are you over the age of 50? Have you socked away six times your annual salary for retirement?

Gesa launches branded cards for Pasco’s newest high schools

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0400

New high schools mean new branded debit cards from Gesa Credit Union that can raise money for student activities.

HAPO prepares for $7.6 million expansion after bank acquisition

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 21:00:00 -0400

HAPO Community Credit Union is expanding its footprint in the Tri-Cities with a new $7.6 million office complex in Kennewick following its recent acquisition of Community First Bank, effective Aug. 1.

Can I start a new business while in bankruptcy?

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0400

If my business has filed for bankruptcy and I am required to remain with the business until it’s complete, can I establish a new business as well?

Idaho-based bank plans Tri-Cities debut

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0400

An Idaho-based bank is heading to the Tri-Cities market this summer.

From entry level to CEO, meet STCU’s new leader

rachel@tcjournal.biz — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0400

STCU has named a new permanent president and CEO, the sixth in its 91-year history and its first woman.

Finding balance and adapting in post-inflationary economy

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

By setting up sound financial practices and making a plan for where you’d like to get to, business leaders and consumers alike will be better positioned to stay on track and meet their goals.

Commerce announces new flexible payment loan program

Tue, 20 May 2025 21:00:00 -0400

State officials say they expect the loans to be especially helpful for seasonal businesses, such as event venues, florists, caterers and tourism-focused enterprise.