Equity Bank agreed to buy most of the assets, and assume all the deposits, of Almena State Bank.

Foreign banks for years have been using technology that folds several communication and information-sharing capabilities into one platform. Now Citigroup and others here are showing interest because of the growing importance of digital in the pandemic.

The bank said the move will give it more flexibility for raising capital.

The assertion by former Goldman Sachs executive Gary Cohn that smaller banks won't be viable in a high-tech world overlooks their success in partnering with fintechs, according to the Independent Community Bankers of America.

The Connecticut company, which began reviewing its operations in January, said the effort gained momentum when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

The company will close nine branches over the next three months.

As the pandemic speeds digital adoption at financial institutions, the technology giants are pitching products that scan in data from mortgage documents and provide security and compliance controls used by in-house tech developers.

The media company Urban One has launched a new account that includes a prepaid debit card and encourages customers to buy from Black-owned business and lets them donate their cash back to charity.

The media company Urban One has launched a new account that includes a prepaid debit card and encourages customers to buy from Black-owned business and lets them donate their cash back to charity.

Banks, lenders, and fintechs have been on a path toward digitizing the mortgage process from end-to-end — long before the term coronavirus entered our daily lexicon. How has the pandemic affected progress?

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.

Agility Bank, one of two women-led groups seeking charters, is looking to open next spring.

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.

Out of crisis comes opportunity. The pandemic has prioritized digital strategy and transformation for nearly every industry, especially banking.