Finance

Highlands Banking would be based in a community near the state's borders with Georgia and South Carolina.

The Oregon company unveiled a sweeping cost-cutting plan that includes more remote work opportunities and up to 50 branch closures.

The company, which shuttered six locations in September, plans to close 14 more branches by the end of this year.

The company will close branches and cut jobs, with plans to reinvest some of the savings into digital enhancements.

The Cleveland company will exit indirect auto lending and close branches so it can devote more resources to mortgages, student loans and other relationship-driven, digital-friendly businesses.

The coronavirus pandemic has spurred more private buyers to acquire senior care homes, and the Oklahoma lender is eager to back them.

Banks have managed to steer around trouble spots in energy, hotel and mall-related credits. But fears of further deterioration, an eviction wave or more job losses are keeping lenders circumspect.

Weak loan demand, persistently low yields and the continued struggles of sectors such as hospitality and retail are among the myriad lending challenges facing small regional banks.

The Dallas bank has begun encouraging larger borrowers to seek forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program loans first as it holds out for the government to streamline the process for loans below $150,000.

The new policy will allow the company to close some work sites and reduce the size of others. It’s part of a broader effort to cut expenses to help offset revenue declines brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.