Laura Alix

The Stamford, Conn., company is acquiring Allegro, a California lender that finances the purchase of hearing aids and other health-related products or services. It’s aiming to capitalize on the rising popularity of point-of-sale lending and a need for more financing options in health care — especially as more Americans turn to high-deductible plans.

Deposits are soaring while loan demand lags and mortgage-backed securities offer weak returns. So the Alabama company has parked loads of cash at the Fed in hopes the economy will pick up steam before profit margins suffer.

Greg Carmichael said lightly regulated challenger banks pose a long-term threat to traditional banks, echoing comments JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon made last week.

Providence, R.I.-based Citizens Financial has largely focused on nonbank deals in recent years, but CEO Bruce Van Saun said the race for scale in the industry is prompting more banks — including his own — to consider mergers.

The Pittsburgh company intends to continue adding commercial offices and retail branches in markets it had been eyeing before agreeing to buy BBVA USA for $11.6 billion.

A sponsorship deal between the regional bank and the league will emphasize economic empowerment and financial education. It's a good example of how corporations increasingly seek to associate their brands with a cause or purpose, experts say.

In a memo to staff on Tuesday, Citigroup announced a new head of U.S. consumer banking and said that two of its other high-ranking bankers would essentially switch roles.

The Stamford, Conn.-based credit card issuer said Tuesday that Brian Doubles, the president and former chief financial officer, will succeed Margaret Keane in April.

The North Carolina regional has sold an advisory business and has found buyers for two 401(k) bookkeeping operations.

The New Canaan, Conn., company said it will record a pretax expense of $3.9 million in the fourth quarter related to branch and office closings, severance payments and the end of a vendor contract.