SunTrust

Community banks, big commercial banks and Wall Street investment houses are finding common ground in small-business loan funds that help Main Street, minimize potential losses on credit extended to young companies and sometimes lead to new business prospects.

So-called performance-share units are pushing aside stock options as the preferred long-term incentive pay for bank executives. Many investors and regulators fear that options can encourage reckless conduct and have other shortcomings, though options still have supporters.

The SEC is investigating the bank for selling clients mutual funds that charge marketing fees when other, cheaper funds were available. SunTrust expects an enforcement action.

Regional banks don’t pose risks to the financial system that have caused concern among policymakers, executives of 18 banks told top Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Congress.

Some execs have plenty to be sour about, but others are emphasizing the possibilities amid today's economic and political realities. Their contrasting mindsets were on full display at a Credit Suisse conference this week.

Corporate borrowers aren’t ready just yet to pull the trigger on multimillion-dollar loans to buy fleets of trucks or scads of new inventory despite excitement about a more business-friendly Washington, lenders cautioned.

Quarterly profit fell at SunTrust Banks in Atlanta as noninterest expense rose 8.4% and its loan-loss provision increased.