Laura Alix

Competition for deposits is tight, the outlook for loan demand is uncertain, and regulatory relief is slow-moving. Yet community bankers are feeling better about the economy than they have in two years, a Promontory Interfinancial Network survey found.

Black and Hispanic owners of one-person businesses are more likely to be discouraged from applying for financing, and they’re less likely to receive financing when they do apply for it, than their white counterparts, according to a new report from the New York Fed.

The new products, along a 2% cash-back credit card, are aimed at helping customers build savings and reduce debt.

Earnings at the U.S. unit of the Spanish banking giant Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria fell 13% from a year earlier.

Building off the popularity of its personal financial management tool, HelloWallet, the Cleveland bank is now offering in-person financial checkups as a way to deepen customer relationships.

The San Antonio bank has had little trouble hiring retail bankers to staff its new Houston branches, but it’s having a harder time filling IT and cybersecurity jobs at its headquarters, said CEO Phil Green.

Maria Vullo served for three years as New York's top banking regulator.

The hiring of Tim Wennes was one a series of leadership changes announced Wednesday by the holding company for the bank and the auto lender Santander Consumer.

KeyCorp, Regions Financial and others have sacrificed short-term profits to avoid being crushed by an anticipated decline in interest rates.

Earnings at the Cincinnati company fell 25% from the same period last year, largely due to $109 million in expenses tied to its March acquisition of MB Financial.