Growth strategies

Oxford Bank appears poised to reap benefits from a substantial investment in building out its commercial finance subsidiary. The business, which provides credit to companies that aren't a good fit for bank loans, has moved into the banking mainstream over the last 15 years.

BMO Financial Group has sold a U.S. credit card portfolio and exited a franchise loan portfolio as part of an effort to achieve a return on equity of at least 12% in its U.S. business.

Richmond, Virginia-based Atlantic Union is still integrating its recent acquisition of Sandy Spring Bank in Maryland. But CEO John Asbury has already begun plotting a new expansion course.

The Dallas-based company's broker-dealer arm, Texas Capital Securities, has also made several recent hires as it continues to expand its capabilities.

While other European-based banks have retreated from the United States, Santander is doubling down by building out its nationwide digital-banking platform. "Unequivocally," said U.S. CEO Christiana Riley, "the opportunity … is so clear."

After the Washington bank's rocky integration with Umpqua, investors are wary of its plan to acquire Pacific Premier Bancorp in Southern California.

The Long Island-based regional bank, which reported another quarterly loss Friday, continues to hire in the commercial-and-industrial lending sphere as it seeks to diversify its commercial real estate-heavy business.

Nashville-based FB Financial announced the opening of a new office in Asheville, North Carolina, a week after striking a $381 million deal for an Alabama-based community bank.