Americas

M&T Bank's second-quarter profit improved thanks to a lower loan-loss provision and other factors.

Webster Financial's investments in its Boston expansion program and HSA Bank subsidiary contributed to an 11% increase in noninterest expense. However, the spending spike was more than offset by 10% loan growth and record noninterest income at the Waterbury, Conn., company.

Panic around energy lending has subsided somewhat as oil prices have climbed and banks have reduced their overall exposure. But expect more trouble ahead if prices level off.

Profits rose nearly 3% at Discover Financial Services in the second quarter thanks to solid loan growth and a one-time tax benefit.

Profit improved at both BBCN Bancorp and Wilshire Bancorp in the second quarter, about two weeks ahead of the closing date for the Los Angeles companies' merger.

The three custody banks had been projected to post weak second-quarter results because of a lull in foreign exchange trading. Then Brexit happened, and everything changed.

Hawaiian Electric Industries has nixed a plan to spin off its American Savings Bank subsidiary after utility regulators rejected Hawaiian Electric’s sale to an out-of-state energy company.

Synovus Financial in Columbus, Ga., reported higher second-quarter earnings on solid growth in revenue and loans for investment properties.

Surging revenue from consumer lending, including auto loans and mortgages, offset credit problems from the energy sector in the second-quarter results of Regions Financial in Birmingham, Ala.

Comerica reported improvement in its energy-loan portfolio in the second quarter but charges related to a broad corporate restructuring took a bite out of overall profits.