Large institutions say their strong capital positions allow them to reward investors, and the Fed agrees. But critics say this is the time to be preparing for a sharp downturn and continue helping those hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.

The biggest lenders seem to have handled the corporate rush for cash heading into the economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. But their ability to collect is as uncertain as the economic outlook for the next year.

Banks, under pressure to act hastily, began taking applications for government aid to small businesses hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. But narrow eligibility rules at some banks angered business owners and lawmakers.

JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and U.S. Bancorp, along with 200 state-chartered banks and credit unions, have agreed to let borrowers skip payments for 90 days if their finances have been upended by the pandemic.

Many banks are offering low-interest loans to help consumers and small businesses withstand the economic shocks of the pandemic. Some are also doing away with ATM, overdraft and late fees because, as one CEO put it, that revenue “is not the most important thing right now.”

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.

Banks typically don't offer loans to cash-strapped consumers, and are poorly positioned to start doing so on an emergency basis — unless the government steps in to help.

Banco Santander’s global digital transformation has led it to Mexico, where the bank has agreed to acquire U.S. Bancorp’s Elavon Mexico merchant acquiring unit for about $84 million.

Citizens Financial Group’s fourth-quarter results highlight the challenges regionals face in generating top-line growth.

A tough fourth quarter seemed to foreshadow challenges in the year ahead for the nation’s fifth-largest bank.