Wells Fargo Co - WFC STOCK NEWS

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) announced that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has terminated a 2015 consent order regarding its Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) compliance program. CEO Charlie Scharf stated this action reflects progress in remediating legacy issues, although further work is required. The consent order mandated improved customer due diligence standards, which Wells Fargo has worked to address. The company holds $1.92 trillion in assets and serves one in three U.S. households.

Wells Fargo has appointed Tomomi Kikuchi as the new president and representative director of Wells Fargo Securities Japan, effective December 3, 2020. Based in Tokyo, Kikuchi will oversee all business activities of WFSJ and aims to enhance the securities platform in Japan. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, including leadership roles at Bank of America and J.P. Morgan. Kikuchi’s appointment is expected to strengthen Wells Fargo's capabilities in the crucial Asia Pacific market.

The Wells Fargo Utilities and High Income Fund (ERH) has issued a Notice detailing the sources of its monthly distributions. The Fund has estimated that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains, indicating a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital. Distributions are sourced from net investment income, capital gains, and paid-in capital. The Fund's managed distribution plan targets a minimum annual distribution rate of 7.0%, based on its average monthly net asset value over the previous year. Tax reporting will be provided through Form 1099-DIV.

The latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index highlights that 45% of investors lack a will or estate plan. While the pandemic has increased awareness, there's a significant communication gap; 65% of investors have not discussed their plans with family. Age plays a role: only 17% of those 65+ lack preparations, compared to 70% of investors under 50. Despite this, 51% approach these discussions as an obligation rather than a preference. The findings suggest a need for greater family communication regarding estate planning.

Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) has commented on the Federal Reserve's stress test results, emphasizing its strong capital position amid the COVID-19 pandemic's economic impact. CEO Charlie Scharf reaffirmed the commitment to support stakeholders while maintaining robust capital and liquidity levels. The Fed extended the deadline for the review of Wells Fargo's stress capital buffer until March 31, 2021, and authorized limited capital distributions for the first quarter of 2021, including dividends and share repurchases tied to net income. The company plans to reveal more details in its upcoming earnings call on January 15, 2021.

Wells Fargo has agreed to sell its private student loan portfolio valued at $10 billion to investors, with Firstmark (a division of Nelnet) set to service the loans after the transaction is completed in the first half of 2021. This decision follows the company's notice to customers in September about its exit from the private student loan market, although it will still accept new applications from existing customers until January 28, 2021.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) appointed Michelle Moore as the new Digital Platform leader, effective Dec. 31, 2020. Reporting to Ather Williams III, Moore will manage the bank's digital platforms and enhance consumer digital experiences. She brings 20 years of financial services experience, previously serving as an executive at Bank of America and advising on digital transformation at Boston Consulting Group. Moore holds an MBA in finance from the University of Rochester and a Bachelor in Applied Economics from Cornell University.

The Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index increased by 24 points to +42, though it remains significantly below the first quarter's +138. This gain reflects rising confidence in the economy, with 48% of investors optimistic about the economy's outlook. Confidence in stock market investments is strong, with 65% feeling it's a good way to build retirement wealth. However, 25% of investors are holding more cash, indicating a cautious approach amidst market volatility. The survey also highlights a split sentiment regarding the impact of the 2020 elections on economic outlook.

Wells Fargo's study conducted by The Harris Poll highlights the growing issue of isolation among seniors, revealing that 25% feel lonely and 20% live alone. The findings indicate significant health risks, including vulnerability to financial scams, particularly exacerbated during the pandemic. Alarmingly, 69% of seniors believe they are unlikely to fall victim to scams, despite 97% acknowledging the susceptibility of older adults. The report emphasizes the importance of awareness and preventive measures to combat elder financial fraud.