Jackie Stewart is the executive editor of American Banker Magazine. Previously, she covered breaking news, community banks and mergers and acquisitions for American Banker before being named as the managing editor of the Credit Union Journal. After graduating from Northwestern University in 2006, Jackie taught for two years in the Bronx, N.Y., through Teach for America.
An improved economy, hint of potentially higher interest rates and changing demographics are all aiding a lending rebound in the southern and western parts of the United States.
A generation shift could also create issues for community banks that are in search of fee income.
The Providence, R.I., company is set to be spun off from its foreign parent, and executives are embracing the opportunity to simplify their products, expand lending and overhaul their customer experience.
As consolidation picks up, buyers and sellers must examine their vendor contracts to make sure terms and pricing are in their favor.
NorthStar Bank once relied on its investment portfolio to drive revenue. It recently changed course, targeting loans and customers in search of a better future.
Regional and small banks are providing M&A advisory services to their commercial customers as a way to drive fee income, deepen client relationships and differentiate themselves from rivals.
Though satisfying examiners remains a priority, their decisions about how and where to deploy resources are being mostly driven by the desire to meet customers' changing demands, according to a new survey from the advisory firm KPMG.
Zions Bancorp. in Salt Lake City is planning to raise $525 million in fresh capital to satisfy regulators' concerns about its ability to withstand a severe economic downturn.
Community banks need to rethink their technology and marketing to ensure they are snagging a piece of the millennial generation. Big banks have the lead in reaching this demographic, but they are vulnerable, experts said.
United Financial Bancorp in Glastonbury, Conn., reported a second-quarter loss largely tied to the costs of merging with Rockville Financial.
Citizens Financial Group in Providence, R.I., has expanded its health care practice banking group to three additional states.
The Georgia company is also planning a marketing campaign to promote its brand and expanded technology offerings.
Synovus Financial in Columbus, Ga., reported a rise in quarterly earnings after booking more loans and lowering credit costs.
Recent calls in Congress to take a closer look at the quasi-governmental Farm Credit System and its regulator have pleased bankers, who want to bring attention to their complaints of unfair competition.
Consumer confidence is improving but uncertainty surrounding world events and gridlock in Washington continue to temper expectations for Stephen Steinour.
Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) in Columbus, Ohio, improved its bottom line as an increase in revenue offset higher noninterest expenses.
The ongoing search for expense cuts continues, as investors wonder why regional banks such as KeyCorp, Fifth Third, Webster Financial and M&T aren't cutting more and faster.
KeyCorp (KEY) in Cleveland reported higher quarterly earnings after a jump in investment banking and debt placement fees and lower credit costs.
Smaller banks are disproportionately affected by regulation, forcing some to consider selling or to rethink their strategy, two community bankers argued before Congress.
More small banks are engaging on social media and are finding ways to highlight their community involvement, promote their personalities and better connect with customers.