Payments technology provider Total System Services has signed a multiyear contract with Synovus Financial Corp. to provide payment processing and also deliver two new customer service platforms to the financial institution.

The regulatory relief bill passed last year eliminated mandatory stress tests for dozens of regional and midsize banks, yet many banks continue running internal tests anyway. Here’s why.

The legendary Atlanta banking lawyer played a special, often behind-the-scenes role that was part diplomat, mentor and seer during his 50-year career. He died last week at 76.

The Atlanta company, which reported fourth-quarter results Tuesday, said that the lending partnership with American Express will launch in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Dallas within the next 60 days.

The Georgia company will abstain from acquisitions this year as it looks to make internal improvements.

Synovus has given CFO Kevin Blair the additional title of COO. He will oversee three business lines, plus tech, operations and product and treasury management.

Zack Bishop has experience in blending the systems of merged banks, according to Synovus, which this summer announced its first whole-bank deal in more than a decade.

The pressure is on for banks to lean more heavily on capital markets, wealth management and other nonmortgage sources of fee income. That could get tougher in upcoming quarters.

The Columbus, Ga., company ramped up its business and consumer lending even as it scaled back lending on construction and commercial real estate projects.

As Synovus brought all of its 28 banks under the same name and logo, management made sure employees were well informed and comfortable with the changes.