Bank of America made three more investments in minority-focused lenders, bringing its total to 10 in the past two months.

Members of First Choice Community Credit Union will have access to mobile banking and other products once the institution becomes part of Credit Union of Ohio.

Deposits have piled up, curtailing overdrafts and other fees. The trend could force lenders to find other ways to make money — or start cutting to the bone.

Equity Bank agreed to buy most of the assets, and assume all the deposits, of Almena State Bank.

Foreign banks for years have been using technology that folds several communication and information-sharing capabilities into one platform. Now Citigroup and others here are showing interest because of the growing importance of digital in the pandemic.

The bank said the move will give it more flexibility for raising capital.

The assertion by former Goldman Sachs executive Gary Cohn that smaller banks won't be viable in a high-tech world overlooks their success in partnering with fintechs, according to the Independent Community Bankers of America.

The Connecticut company, which began reviewing its operations in January, said the effort gained momentum when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

The company will close nine branches over the next three months.

As the pandemic speeds digital adoption at financial institutions, the technology giants are pitching products that scan in data from mortgage documents and provide security and compliance controls used by in-house tech developers.