Executives at Key pushed back against doubts over a deal for Laurel Road Bank’s digital lending platform so late in the credit cycle, arguing that its customers are prime borrowers with high incomes.

Big-bank execs downplayed gloomy economic forecasts and said a commercial lending rally, niche M&A and smart tech spending will drive growth in 2019.

The Cleveland bank gave details on a program for trimming 5% in expenses next year in order to ensure its efficiency ratio goals are met.

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.

Commercial and industrial lending rose 8% in the third quarter at the Cleveland bank, but other factors drove its double-digit gain in profits as overall loan growth was modest.

A big investment in data and analytics is paying off for KeyCorp, says Chief Information Officer Amy Brady.

The Committee for Economic Development will honor KeyCorp's Beth Mooney and CIT's Ellen Alemany for fostering diversity at their companies.

Her primary job is advising senior executives on compliance, technology and data security matters, but Hosein is also making a mark as a champion for up-and-coming female leaders.

Chief Information Officer Amy Brady is revamping payments, commercial and consumer banking by not settling for the status quo.

Amy Brady, chief information officer at KeyCorp, has won praise for leading the company's integration with First Niagara following its July 2016 acquisition.