Lenders are bracing for more companies to fall behind on their loan payments. That could create more opportunities for banks to dispose of these nonperforming credits through an Article 9 sale.

After filling various roles at the Columbus, Georgia-based bank for almost 20 years, Liz Wolverton was tapped to lead the consumer bank in December 2021.

The Georgia bank warns that the one-two punch of rising inflation and supply-chain issues on its smaller commercial customers makes that asset class “something we would watch” for potential losses.

Costs climbed 11% in the fourth quarter, but the Georgia company says it remains on track to generate $175 million by the end of this year through a combination of expense cuts and revenue enhancements.

The bank is planning to make product changes and roll out new digital tools that will allow customers to avoid the charges, according to CEO Kevin Blair.

At Comerica and Synovus, higher fees from cards, mortgage banking and other sources helped to offset declines in net interest income.

President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Blair will take the helm in April at the company’s annual meeting while Kessel Stelling will transition to a new role as executive chairman.

The Georgia lender has hired bankers away from Wells Fargo to build a new ag lending team that will look to capitalize on soaring lumber demand in its home state.

Many eateries that relied on outdoor dining to survive the pandemic could see revenues plummet as the weather turns cold.

Banks have managed to steer around trouble spots in energy, hotel and mall-related credits. But fears of further deterioration, an eviction wave or more job losses are keeping lenders circumspect.