The digital-only bank, which entered the U.S. about two years ago, said Thursday that it is closing roughly 500,000 customer accounts here and will prioritize growth in Eastern Europe.

Adelphi Bank in Columbus, Ohio, would be just the nation’s fourth depository with a predominantly African American board of directors. “The hope is that we change lives,” said Jordan Miller Jr., who would serve as president and CEO.

No matter the outcome of the confirmation battle over Saule Omarova — the Biden administration nominee for comptroller of the currency whom many bankers view as too liberal — policymakers must still resolve this fundamental question: Are banks public utilities or private companies with special privileges?

Acquiring the company, which has a namesake savings app, would allow the Silicon Valley lender to accelerate its plan to offer more consumer banking services. The deal comes less than six weeks after Oportun withdrew its application for a bank charter, which it plans to refile.

Americans are looking for immediate ways to offset rising costs, rather than saving points for future travel. Cash rewards, which were already growing in popularity, are now even more coveted.

Lincoln Parks at Heritage Bank in Georgia built from scratch its social media following, a digital-only way to open accounts and (in 48 hours) a Paycheck Protection Program lending system. For these and other efforts, Parks is a runner-up for American Banker’s Digital Banker of the Year.

Now that dispersed workforces are expected to be the long-term norm, banks are taking steps to maintain a sense of teamwork and giving managers new training in troubleshooting.

Patriot National Bancorp was exploring a digital pivot, and American Challenger Development Corp. had been seeking a bank charter in its quest to become open an all-digital bank. They decided it was quicker to join forces.

On Jun. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

On Jun. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

The acquisition of First Sound Bank would give the fintech a lending platform to go along with its deposit-gathering capabilities. It would be BM's first buyout since being spun off from Customers Bancorp last year.

Overall 90 banks earned a spot on American Banker's ninth annual ranking of the Best Banks to Work For. An employee survey is one facet of the selection process.

Americans are changing jobs in record numbers, posing a challenge for all employers. Here's how the Best Banks to Work For are redoubling their efforts to recruit and retain talent.

The purchase of Peoples Banktrust would create the fifth-largest bank based in Georgia’s most populous metropolitan area.

First Busey Corp. is investing in software to eliminate the drudgery of some tasks. But this Best Bank to Work For will judge the success of the tech initiative by employee engagement more so than just efficiency. The goal is to boost morale.

A focus on getting work done more efficiently has prompted these midsize banks to rearrange responsibilities, eliminate red tape and use technology to automate repetitive or tedious tasks. Some are also enhancing leadership development and increasing employee benefits amid an increase in turnover.