As much as $2.5 trillion, or nearly half of bank deposit growth since the crisis, may be attributable to the central bank's quantitative easing. If investors start drawing down on their accounts to buy back assets from the Fed, the trend could dampen liquidity at certain banks, add upward pressure on deposit prices and reshape M&A.

The new Explore Visa card is seen as a "bridge" to more traditional banking services, said Regions' head of retail products and payments.

Auto risks mounting. Mortgage market tightening. Are there any good risks these days in consumer lending? Regional bank executives insist partnerships with online lenders, unsecured personal loans and other niche efforts can work if done properly.

The Birmingham, Ala., bank has been cutting exposure to indirect auto, multifamily and medical office lending, categories it deems high-risk.

Even with card defaults ticking up slightly, regional banks remain committed to pursuing more credit card business as they look to both diversify their balance sheets and deepen relationships with customers.

The following are some of the noteworthy things we heard at American Banker’s Digital Banking 2017 conference held earlier this month in Austin, Texas.

JPMorgan Chase’s partnership with OnDeck Capital was expected to augur a wave of similar agreements between banks and online business lenders. But so far, most banks have avoided joining forces with companies they also view as competitors.

The following is a recap of the 2017 slate of honorees picked by the tech journalists at American Banker, led by Digital Banker of the Year Michelle Moore of Bank of America and including four finalists.

Regions Financial's tool that helps customers find the right account for themselves is among the reasons why Andy Hernandez is a Digital Banker of the Year finalist.

Regions Financial is taking steps across its 1,500-branch network to embrace consumers with autism and train its staff to help them. Business development, not just compassion, is part of the motivation.