Americas

Fifth Third Bancorp in Cincinnati on Thursday reported higher quarterly profit driven by an increase in construction loans.

Middlefield Banc Corp. in Ohio has agreed to buy Liberty Bank in Beachwood, Ohio.

The former C1 Financial chief, expected to play a critical role at Bank of the Ozarks, resigned just a week after his company's sale. Thanks to a lengthy noncompete, it could take years to determine his next move.

Some midsize banks found ways to widen margins, and Texas lenders said weakness in the energy sector has had little effect on the broader Texas economy. But can those trends hold up?

First Citizens BancShares in Raleigh, N.C., reported higher quarterly profit that reflected a couple of one-time gains.

Brent Beardall, who has been with Washington Federal since 2001, was named president of the $14.8 billion-asset company and its primary banking unit and retains his job as chief banking officer.

The energy sector downturn led to lower second-quarter profit at Prosperity Bancshares in Houston, which continued to shrink the size of its book of oil and gas loans in response.

United Community Banks in Blairsville, Ga., reported higher quarterly gains spurred by fee revenue.

Valley National Bancorp in Wayne, N.J., reported higher quarterly profit because of loan sales and increases in other fees.

BOK Financial in Tulsa, Okla., reported lower quarterly profit that reflected a still-elevated loan-loss provision.