Laura Alix

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.

Banks may need to do more to help small businesses after a hurricane, flood or other calamity as those firms tend to favor nonbank lenders after an emergency for a number of reasons, according to research by four regional Federal Reserve banks.

The Rosemont, Ill., bank rode loan growth, interest rate trends and noninterest-income gains to a double-digit increase in profits in the first quarter.

Previously the head of commercial banking, Tory Nixon — also a former NFL cornerback — will now oversee the bank's digital strategy.

A $135 million increase in litigation expenses related to its 2011 acquisition of Wilmington Trust overshadowed a wider net interest margin and improved credit quality for the Buffalo, N.Y., company in the first quarter.

Bankers hoped the tax overhaul would stimulate a boom in business borrowing, but several said this week that hasn’t happened yet. PNC’s Bill Demchak warned that the tax cuts could be encouraging lenders to underprice loans.