Commercial Banking News, Strategy & Risk Analysis

American Banker's commercial banking coverage explores how banks serve middle-market and corporate clients, focusing on issues such as interest-rate volatility, regulatory pressure, and intensifying competition for deposits and credit relationships. This section focuses on balance-sheet strategy, commercial lending, treasury and cash management, risk governance, and the technologies reshaping relationship banking.

Learn how institutions are recalibrating growth expectations, managing credit exposure, and using payments and treasury capabilities to deepen client relationships while preserving profitability.

Commercial banking is under structural pressure from higher funding costs, uneven loan demand, and increased supervisory scrutiny. Banks are being forced to prioritize relationship depth, disciplined credit selection, and non-interest income generation rather than balance-sheet expansion alone.

Bank technology

6 ways banks are competing for talent

In a tight job market, banks are exploring new ways to find the employees they need.

By Courtney Hoff Dockerty
Writer, Growth Content

December 8
Regulation and compliance

'I just don't think they'll ever get approved': PNC's Demchak on M&A delays

William Demchak, the Pittsburgh bank's CEO, is leery of acquiring banks amid elevated regulatory scrutiny. KeyCorp Chief Executive Chris Gorman has similar concerns, citing economic uncertainty in addition to the long waits for approval.

By Jim Dobbs
Deputy Editor, Community Banks

December 8
M&A

U.S. Bank gives mixed update on impact of Union Bank addition

Executives at the Minneapolis company said Wednesday that they expect earnings-per-share accretion to be higher than they previously anticipated. But their estimate for merger-related expenses also rose.

By Jordan Stutts
Reporter

December 7
ESG

Bankers face ESG risk with potential to upend deals, study shows

Investment bankers working on mergers and acquisitions need to review their due diligence processes to ensure deals aren't upended by an evolving set of ESG risks, according to Berkeley Research Group.

December 7
Consumer banking

Wells Fargo's Scharf puts new emphasis on growth

After several years when the scandal-plagued bank was focused on cost cutting, CEO Charlie Scharf indicated Tuesday that the company has opportunities to expand revenue across every line of business.

By Kevin Wack
Banking Editor

December 6
Auto lending

Ally's Brown offers upbeat assessment of troubled partner Carvana

Though the Phoenix-based Carvana has seen its share price plummet and sales weaken amid macroeconomic headwinds, Ally CEO Jeffrey Brown predicted the used-car retailer will "get through this" and remain an important source of business.

By John Reosti
Reporter

December 6
Insurance

Truist chief coy on whether he'll sell big chunk of insurance unit

CEO Bill Rogers affirmed the North Carolina bank's commitment to an expansion of Truist Insurance Holdings. But he declined to comment on a recent report that the company was exploring the potential sale of up to 30% of the business.

By Allissa Kline
Reporter

December 6

Resources

The latest American Banker research and discussion on Commercial Banking

M&T Bank

Industry News

Leaders

Consumer banking

Commercial banking

Small business banking
Regional banks in today's economy: M&T CEO Rene Jones
On-Demand Web Seminar Built to compete: How commercial banks will win in 2026

Commercial banking is reaching a tipping point. Are you prepared to lead in 2026?

Partner Insights from Alkami
Investment banking

2025 Most Powerful Women in Finance

M&A

Leaders

JPMorgan Chase

Women in Banking
Video Video A top investment banker's views on M&A, the markets, and making it in financial services

Commercial Banking: Key Questions & Analysis

How are banks repositioning middle-market commercial banking in growth markets?

Banks are selectively expanding into high-growth regions as well as refining relationship coverage models for middle-market clients. Where competitive pressure is highest and regional-bank presence is high, institutions often look to industry specialization and treasury-led engagement to set themselves apart.

What is driving commercial clients’ treasury expectations, and how are banks responding?

Treasury management and payments capabilities are increasingly central to commercial client retention. Banks can look to grow in areas like automation, integration with client systems, and advisory services to respond to changing expectations.

How do banks apply AI in commercial and business banking workflows?

AI applications are often focused on boosting internal efficiency. This can include customer service support to better handle client inquiries and improve relationship management enablement. Banks are prioritizing staff-facing use cases, such as AI assistants, over customer-facing solutions for now.

What do recent earnings signals imply for commercial banking credit posture?

Improved profitability can be driven by lower provisions and stronger margins has eased short-term pressure. However, credit risk remains a focus. Banks are balancing cautious underwriting with growth opportunities.

How is commercial real estate risk intersecting with broader commercial banking exposure?

Commercial real estate continues to be a key risk. Bankers are scrutinizing real estate portfolios concentrated in offices and other property types for stress. Banks are differentiating between stabilized assets and segments facing refinancing and valuation pressure.

How could changes to deposit insurance policy affect commercial operating accounts?

Proposals to expand deposit insurance coverage for business accounts could influence how commercial clients allocate operating balances. Banks will look to monitor potential impacts on pricing, retention, and relationship structure.