In a long and storied career, Barbara Desoer has helped shape two of the largest banks in the country, Bank of America and Citibank. The most striking detail? Her biggest role came after she "retired."

She turned around troubled business units, rebounded after a demotion and beat cancer. Now Bank of America’s chief operations and technology officer is taking on her biggest challenge yet: ensuring AI is used responsibly.

The once-acquisitive company is not interested in a "roll-up strategy" in Texas's biggest city, said CEO Phil Green. In a Q&A, he also explained why loan competition is intensifying and what's really keeping business customers up at night.

The revised trading rule is seen as a credit negative for the banking industry.

At a time when technology and regulations have led many banks to centralize their operations, Bank of America has expanded its emphasis on localized strategies under the leadership of Chief Administrative Officer Andrea Smith.

Cathy Bessant, Bank of America's chief operations officer and American Banker's Most Powerful Woman in Banking, has undertaken major initiatives outside her institution, including a focus on responsible AI.

Knox's hefty investments in client- and associate-facing technology are paying off for Bank of America's private bank.

The research division Browning has built at Bank of America Merrill Lynch is consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Anne Finucane has led Bank of America's effort to reorient itself as the U.K. attempts to leave the European Union, helping to set up the bank's European headquarters in two new locations.

When Sharon Miller was tapped to lead small business banking at Bank of America, she says it was her dream job. "In my three years in this role, I feel I've helped elevate our small business capabilities beyond what I envisioned," she said.