The Buffalo, New York-based bank set a goal four years ago to limit its commercial real estate loan portfolio to 160% of its capital and reserves, and it's closing in on that target, says Chief Financial Officer Daryl Bible.

The New York megabank is working to deploy artificial intelligence as it seeks to make its own operations more efficient. Solomon also sees an "unprecedented" opportunity in financing clients' needs as they invest in AI.

The company reported $4.74 billion in net revenue in the first quarter, down 7.3% from a year earlier but exceeding analysts' estimates of $4.71 billion.

The company's 28% increase in first-quarter net income was led by its traders — who eluded the slowdown at chief rival JPMorgan Chase — and bankers who cashed in on a resurgence in dealmaking activity.

The global bank is making good on its promise to trim expenses, but its ability to increase revenues at the same time remains unclear, partly because of the relatively weak performance of its wealth management business.

JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo said the battle for deposits isn't over — a reality denting their ability to earn more interest income. Regional banks will likely report similar pains next week.

The giant custody bank convinced clients to park more money in accounts with the Boston-based company, prompting it to increase its full-year 2024 projections, Chief Financial Officer Eric Aboaf said.

First-quarter results at the companies were promising for other banks looking to reel in fees from capital markets activities as deposit costs put pressure on net interest income.

Home loan originations were tepid in the first quarter, but higher margins helped large depositories bolster income even when the drop was particularly steep.

The banking giant nonetheless saw strong growth in net new assets in the first quarter and a 14% jump in returns from asset management fees.