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.

Pressure to raise rates on deposits offset strong loan growth at the Salt Lake City company.

Weighing in on interest rate and other uncertainties facing all banks, Citizens Financial CEO Bruce Van Saun emphasized investments in point of sale, digital banking and other initiatives meant to enhance revenue down the road.

While executives at the Buffalo, N.Y., bank said they would take a closer look at spending, especially given the potential for interest rate cuts, they described investments in tech talent as an essential cost of doing business.

Executives at the Minneapolis bank, who expect two Fed rate cuts this year, said they can rely on growth in noninterest income to soften the blow.

The Minneapolis bank reported growth across several lending and noninterest income categories in the second quarter, which offset net interest margin pressures and declining deposit service fees.

The bank has been slashing expenses, but executives acknowledged they remain high. Between having to hire thousands of compliance employees and waiting on the next CEO to be named, investments in new technology or other long-term growth are limited.

The interim CEO told analysts Tuesday that the company remains committed to hiring an outsider who isn't connected to its scandals of recent years.

As policymakers mull ways to update the 42-year-old Community Reinvestment Act, economists at the San Francisco Fed have put forth a novel proposal.

The move to add dozens of branches, many in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, continues a strategic shift under retail banking chief Pablo Sanchez.

Judging by day one on social media, you’d think the new Truist brand was a flop. But marketing and branding experts say the name has a lot going for it. What matters most will be how the two banks advocate for the name.