Bank earnings could be hurt this year as big retailers close stores and file for bankruptcy. The situation has sparked a debate about how much CRE and C&I books will suffer just as lenders were putting other commercial woes behind them.

Specialization — either in types of customers, lines of business or distinct geographies — is one of the best ways for small banks to outdo larger rivals that rely on scale to make money.

Business confidence remains high, but Fed data shows commercial borrowing actually decelerated during the first quarter. Fortunately for banks, rate hikes have fattened margins.

Texas Capital ties bankers’ bonuses to loan performance instead of volume. The strategy has aided recruitment and helped the bank achieve exceptional loan growth while keeping credit quality respectable.

The Buffalo, N.Y., company is filling gaps created when Mark Czarnecki, its former president, died in February after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Get Bank of Montreal's best tips for real results on gender diversity, then try not to get disheartened by other big banks. Plus: Amy Brady, Mary Navarro and Donna Demaio.

Investors concerned about the impact on banking of climate change, the pay gap and ethics matters are pushing back against a coalition of the heads of the biggest U.S. banks and other public companies that wants to limit small investors’ access to proxy ballots.