Unlike online lenders, banks are focusing primarily on consumers with solid credit scores. But unsecured loans to prime borrowers have a limited track record, so it’s hard to predict how they’ll perform when the economy inevitably weakens.

On paper, conditions would seem favorable for regional banks to pursue acquisitions in order to overcome organic growth challenges. But executives have poured cold water on that idea in recent days.

Hamlin caught the attention of the bank's senior leaders when she oversaw the successful launch of a checking product. Now she sits at the center of every major marketing initiative.

At Beth Johnson's insistence, the bank built an analytics platform that can anticipate customers' needs. It's an investment that is paying off in big ways.

Four lenders, led by Sallie Mae, have long dominated the market for private student loans. But they could soon face new competition from Navient and Nelnet.

Some are relying on a national, digital strategy. Others say the right balance of costs and growth comes from more traditional means such as targeted branch openings and out-of-market expansion.

Delinquencies have held steady for a year, and observers are optimistic about upcoming third-quarter data. But the long-term question is whether solid underwriting can overcome higher vehicle prices and consumer debt burdens.

Good old-fashioned commercial credit analysts are a dying breed, David Nicholson says. Community banks need them to stay competitive in C&I, but training courses have been cut back. So he’s on a mission to teach as many students as he can.

Despite some green shoots in key credit segments, total loan growth was light at many banks last quarter. Rate hikes are threatened, and deposits will get pricier — where will the earnings come from?

That helped push total lending growth to 4% and contributed to strong second-quarter earnings at the Providence, R.I., company.