BB&T and SunTrust showed that big-bank mergers are still possible, but top executives at other large regional banks say that a knee-jerk response would be a mistake.

BofA’s do-no-harm approach to AI; looking at what comes next for Fannie and Freddie now that they get to keep their earnings; ruling cuts short debt collectors’ victory lap over CFPB proposal; and more from this week’s most-read stories.

The Providence, R.I., bank recently installed a new regional head in California to oversee a commercial banking expansion into five western states. The bank says it’s trying to craft a successful growth strategy while reassuring investors it isn’t overreaching.

In her role as head of virtual channels at Citizens Financial Group, Beth Johnson is relentlessly focused on making banking simpler for consumers.

"I had a vision of upping our client servicing game to give Citizens' commercial clients a best-in-class experience," Wyper said, "no matter how large or small their relationship with us."

The CEOs of Sallie Mae and Discover Financial Services were largely dismissive this week of the threat posed by the two Democratic presidential candidates, though their optimism seemed to be rooted in an assumption that the more sweeping proposals will never become law.

Weighing in on interest rate and other uncertainties facing all banks, Citizens Financial CEO Bruce Van Saun emphasized investments in point of sale, digital banking and other initiatives meant to enhance revenue down the road.

Whether it’s applying for a loan through a mobile app or building an investment portfolio via robo adviser, users want to know they can quickly and easily speak to a human being if they run into problems, top executives said at American Banker’s Digital Banking conference this week.

Hard sell ahead for BB&T-SunTrust as ‘Truist’ lands with a thud; Citizens looks to poach BB&T-SunTrust talent; what the Senate AML bill means for banks; and more from this week’s most-read stories.

CEO Greg Carmichael said Wednesday that online-only banks "aren't relationship-based" and that Fifth Third would stick to its plan of attracting new depositors by selectively expanding into new markets.