Banks have managed to steer around trouble spots in energy, hotel and mall-related credits. But fears of further deterioration, an eviction wave or more job losses are keeping lenders circumspect.

The slowdown in branch traffic brought on by the coronavirus outbreak has accelerated consumers’ adoption of online banking and other tech, meaning banks have no time to waste in digitizing their customer-facing applications, says Bruce Van Saun.

Managing a major lender in the midst of COVID fears and social unrest has required a rethink of banking norms. Exploring the executive decisions all leaders must consider is the recipient of American Banker’s Banker of the Year award.

Managing a major lender in the midst of COVID fears and social unrest has required a rethink of banking norms. Exploring the executive decisions all leaders must consider is the recipient of American Banker’s Banker of the Year award.

While elevated loan-loss provisions are expected to eat into all banks’ earnings, midsize banks could suffer more than their big-bank rivals because they have fewer revenue drivers. Meanwhile, investors will be watching closely for any signs of dividend cuts stemming from the Federal Reserve’s caps on payouts.

Banks are beginning to emphasize soft skills to help employees make “human” connections with customers in an environment of reduced face-to-face contact.

In wealth management and consumer lending, banks are starting to win back clients they had been losing to startups.

Leaders of companies including Citizens, Comerica and Truist offered more upbeat assessments of loan demand and credit quality than they have in recent weeks. But others warned of weakness in key sectors such as energy and real estate, and said forbearance policies may be hiding potential pitfalls.

The SBA issues guidance on Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness; after staffing up for PPP, Bank of America may need to delay investments to meet cost targets; American Express has leaned hard on cloud tech to help employees work at home during the pandemic.

The Rhode Island company's post-pandemic plan also includes returning some overseas call center functions to the U.S. and bringing its office staff back in phases, says CEO Bruce Van Saun.