The London-based banking giant is selling 90 of its branches and shuttering about three dozen more. The 20 or so branches it is retaining will be transformed into international wealth centers.

Providence, R.I.-based Citizens Financial has largely focused on nonbank deals in recent years, but CEO Bruce Van Saun said the race for scale in the industry is prompting more banks — including his own — to consider mergers.

Citizens Financial Group has branded its point of sale lending software as Citizens Pay, saying it wants to more clearly define it as a merchant tool for "budget-friendly payment options" for customers who want a transparent and predictable way to finance purchases.

Donald Felix will join the Rhode Island company in January as head of national banking. He recently was responsible for developing a personal finance management strategy for JPMorgan Chase’s consumer bank.

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.