Wall Street analysts failed to anticipate the severity of the collapse in bank earnings in 2008 and 2009, and then underestimated the strength of the rebound last year. For what it’s worth, forecasts in late 2011 registered the most skepticism over the two-year outlook in more than four years.

The past year was a mixed bag for bankers. Some found success in picking up market share, or in finally putting federal bailouts into rear view. Others encountered fresh challenges, from run-ins with regulators to the realities of a still-fragile economic recovery. With the new year sure to bring its own mix of achievements, redemption stories and trouble spots, the editors of American Banker offer 10 bank CEOs worth watching in 2012.

The Mississippi bank's purchase of software for risk-assessing and stress-testing commercial loans proved fortuitous when it bought Whitney Bank and its book of troubled real estate debt.

A recent survey indicates that a majority of banks plan to spend more on small-business IT than they did last year. Fifth Third is among those making both organizational and technological investments.

Two acquirers tied up some loose ends Friday as the yearend approached.

Despite some notable gains in 2011, for senior women bankers it was a year of two steps forward and one step back.

The former chief executive of Butler Bank in Lowell, Mass., has been banned from the banking business and fined $225,000 in connection with the thrift's failure last year.

Impending slowdowns at the post office could hasten consumers' move to online bill pay — a boost for bankers.

As non-profit 501 (c) 3's around the country make a mad dash for end of the year donations, it gives me some pause for thought about the whole nature of "giving."

Umpqua Bank in Portland, Ore., has become the latest bank to be sued for allegedly manipulating the way in which it processed debit card transactions in order to rake in more overdraft fees.

As banks look for ways to get revenue from free services like bill pay, they risk becoming a target of public outcry, as Verizon Wireless has in recent days over a short-lived plan to assess a $2 fee for certain bill payments.

HomeTrust Bank in Asheville, N.C., will convert from a mutual thrift to a stock-owned bank in order to raise capital for future organic growth and possible acquisitions within North Carolina.

PointBank is looking to replace lost checking-account revenue by boosting its social media presence.

Concerned about robberies, Chappell Hill Bank began encouraging patrons to bring legally concealed weapons into its branch. Now the bank's unconventional CEO needs to find ways to bring in loans and reduce costs to ensure long-term survival.

Ahead of the planned sale of its credit card arm to Capital One Financial Corp., HSBC North America has renewed its private-label credit card agreements with Saks Inc. and three other retailers.

With all eyes on Wal-Mart as a potential disruptive force in the banking world, some might overlook major recent innovations coming out of the No. 2 retailer, Target.

Lending officers should tempt consumers with the popular pantry item to test their self-control. Those who can't resist are less likely to pay back their loans.

Private Bank of Buckhead in Atlanta is looking to open its second branch in suburban Decatur.

To a consumer, reloadable prepaid cards may look and act like debit cards, but to a banker they come loaded with a distinctly different set of risks.

Has the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, with over 500 employees and growing like cancer, actually protected any consumers yet? Well, next best thing. It garners headlines nearly daily in lobbying to gain full powers by getting Cordray confirmed. Dodd-Frank says the CFPB must have a confirmed director to fire from all barrels.