After being involved in more than 70 syndicated finance transactions involving noninvestment grade companies, KeyBanc Capital Markets has graduated to lead bookrunner status, under Amy Carlson.

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.

KeyBank will deploy Mastercard's advanced transaction decisioning technology, boosting the card network's push into artificial intelligence-powered authorization.

In recent weeks, several banks and fintechs have added new branches or new units, and in the process brought aboard new leadership. Here's a roundup of key hires.

For the millions of consumers who file auto insurance claims every year, many of whom use digital tools such as mobile apps to submit them, the process grinds to a halt when it comes time to receive their payment.

Vipin Gupta, who was chief information officer at Key Community Bank, will oversee strategy for information technology at Toyota Financial Services.

While the regulatory environment is more accommodating for big deals, many regionals still have their reasons for staying on the sidelines.

The Cleveland company reported higher investment banking income and kept many expense items in check during the second quarter.

"Banks should be investing in innovation in this area or risk getting left behind," a fintech CEO warns.

Competition for deposits is heating up as summer approaches, and banks are responding in all sorts of ways — from launching digital-only platforms to raising CD rates to reviving debit rewards. But rising interest rates could weaken demand for loans, especially mortgages.