Jim Dobbs

Banks report solid commercial and industrial loan demand, but are increasingly concerned about how soaring inflation and the specter of recession will affect their clients.

Multiple factors have slowed residential sales, tightening the market for home loans for banks and credit unions.

The Florida bank said it would pay $173 million to buy Drummond Banking, which operates 18 branches in the northern part of the state.

United Community, which bought Reliant Bancorp in Tennessee earlier this year, would deepen its presence in several Southeastern markets and expand its wealth management business with its deal for Progress Financial.

Even "lifers" are considering new jobs as financial institutions bulk up to expand into new markets.

First Citizens BancShares said its $2.2 billion acquisition of CIT Group, closed in the first quarter after months of regulatory delays, is finally coming together.

The Mississippi-based First says the deal would allow it to acquire key talent, bolster its presence in northwest Florida and expand into the Tampa area.

Although small banks and credit unions are enjoying healthier loan portfolios, they are also bracing for potential setbacks due to higher interest rates and inflation.

Noah Bank is considering proposals from an investor group and a New Jersey-based peer.

Earnings and total loans fell in the first quarter at M&T, but the Buffalo, New York, bank offered a rosier forecast for the rest of 2022. The outlook anticipates a shot in the arm from the recent acquisition of People's United Financial.