Georgia

The Arizona-based online auto dealer has partnerships with 35 credit unions – and is looking to expand.

A Georgia Supreme Court case sheds light on the lengths that the often assailed industry has gone to shape policy outcomes. It also raises the question of whether, in evaluating industry-funded research, it is enough to assess the published study itself, or if it is necessary to dig deeper.

Ameris would gain 24 Atlanta-area branches in the $406 million deal.

Citizens Financial, Regions and SunTrust reported strong gains in consumer banking, including loans made through partnerships with retailers and fintech lenders. They want to keep it up to compensate for slack in commercial lending.

The new tax law helped boost fourth-quarter results at SunTrust Banks in Atlanta, while the recent rate hikes led to gains in spread income.

Ameris, which was operating under a regulatory order when it agreed to buy Atlantic Coast, agreed to pay more money if it failed to complete the acquisition by mid-2018.

Banks that have flocked to the business because of higher yields and loan diversity stand to benefit if clients use tax savings to upgrade equipment.

United will pay $130 million for NLFC Holdings, the parent company of Navitas Credit.

Regional and community banks will offer low-cost or no-cost financial products through Bank On, which has already reached agreements with Regions Bank, Wells Fargo and SunTrust.

The company also said it is likely that tax reform legislation being considered by Congress would substantially reduce the valuation of its deferred-tax asset.