Georgia

SunTrust Banks in Atlanta has agreed to open almost 200 new locations of Operation Hope's financial-counseling centers inside its branches by 2020.

Can banks outdo online lending startups in head-to-head competition? We're about to find out. Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo and Quicken have all entered the digital lending business, putting early entrants on the defensive.

They are called HENRYs — high earners, not rich yet — and they have the potential to generate lucrative wealth-management and other fees for banks if they could just dial back their spending.

Higher mortgage banking revenue and commercial real estate lending offset merger costs at United Community Banks in Blairsville, Ga., leading to an improvement in third-quarter profit.

Amid shrinking yields, rising delinquencies and repeated warnings from regulators about frothy market conditions, several banks said on earnings calls that they plan to scale back or hold the line on indirect auto lending.

Profit fell at SunTrust Banks in Atlanta during the third quarter because of higher costs for technology and deposit insurance premiums, as well as an unfavorable yearly comparison.

SunTrust Banks in Atlanta has agreed to buy the multifamily lending business of Pillar Financial in New York.

Ameris Bancorp in Moultrie, Ga., reported a double-digit increase in profits thanks to an acquisition, organic loan growth and other factors.

Oconee Financial in Watkinsville, Ga., has named a former Atlanta-area banker its new chief executive.

Banks are dumping their mortgage servicing rights because low rates and new rules make it hard to earn a profit. SunTrust, Flagstar and First South Bancorp in North Carolina are taking the opposite view.