Laura Alix

The U.S. subsidiary of the Spanish banking giant BBVA said Friday that direct consumer loans increased 40% in the first quarter and that its digital strategy is bearing fruit.

The San Antonio company said that it has scaled back its exposure to energy loans in favor of a greater emphasis on loans of less $10 million.

Grayson Hall has served as CEO since 2010. He will leave the post in July but remain executive chairman through the end of the year.

Double-digit growth in personal loans and record wealth management revenue also helped the Tulsa, Okla., beat earnings forecasts.

The $17 billion-asset Bank of Hawaii reported higher profits on rising interest income, even as it saw yearly declines in mortgage banking and deposit fee income, as well as losses on investment securities.

The regional bank's net income rose 37% thanks to those factors and others.

Investing in technology has been an important focus for banks. But big questions remain about these investments, including how best to pay for them.

The Waterbury, Conn., company also posted a double-digit gain in net interest income thanks to a 7% increase in commercial loan balances and a widening net interest margin.

The Bridgeport, Conn., company said that first-quarter net income climbed 52% over the same period last year to $107.9 million.

Results were also aided by strong growth in residential construction, commercial and equipment financing.