Deferral periods on scores of commercial loans will soon be ending, and many banks’ profits this year could turn on whether borrowers can resume making payments or will seek extensions.

Leaders of companies including Citizens, Comerica and Truist offered more upbeat assessments of loan demand and credit quality than they have in recent weeks. But others warned of weakness in key sectors such as energy and real estate, and said forbearance policies may be hiding potential pitfalls.

Often overlooked in narratives about essential workers, branch and call-center employees are responding to challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. They’ve processed emergency-relief loans late into the night, coached customers unfamiliar with mobile banking and made house calls to elderly account holders.

Citizens, Regions and others say business investments initiated before the COVID-19 pandemic, including technology improvements and new consumer offerings, are on track.

Truist, Key, Fifth Third and PNC became the latest banks to restrict branch access to the drive-through window or appointment only.

The biggest bank in the U.S. will temporarily close 20% of its branches, following recommendations by health experts. It said it would also operate its remaining branches at reduced hours.

They are under less pressure from policymakers to halt repurchase plans, but some have already hit the brakes and others may unofficially do so if the pandemic worsens.

The Fed’s decision to cut its benchmark interest rate amid growing coronavirus concerns is bound to have an impact on banks, but just how broad and how deep remains to be seen.

The acquisition of the Texas-based lender will help Regions expand its offerings to small businesses while adding about $2 billion of loans to the bank's balance sheet.

The additions come as the Georgia regional looks to maintain momentum in commercial lending.