Retail & Commercial

U.S. Bancorp and Truist picked literal names for their virtual assistants to avoid confusing customers, while Fifth Third and Regions created characters called "Jeanie" and "Reggie" to put clients at ease. Other companies are trying to split the difference.

In a deal arranged by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Pittsburgh bank has bought a portfolio from the wreckage of Signature Bank. The purchase should help PNC expand its fund banking business, which helps private equity firms manage liquidity and finance investments in the short term.

The Royal Bank of Canada has made a series of transactions that should boost the profitability of its struggling U.S. subsidiary. Debt securities that had been owned by City National have lost value as a result of rising long-term bond yields.

With multiple economic factors driving up the costs of owning a vehicle, the $1.9 billion-asset institution in New Hampshire is partnering with Credit Union Leasing of America to make car ownership more affordable for members.

Donald Trump wanted to get higher on the Forbes billionaires list and save a fortune on loan terms by overvaluing his properties, according to documents presented by New York Attorney General Letitia James at the former president's civil fraud trial. 

The $23 million deal, signed in 2021 and initially projected to close in the second quarter of 2022, was delayed multiple times amid leadership turnover at the Los Angeles-based RBB.

German financial watchdog BaFin has appointed an independent monitor to oversee Deutsche Bank's progress in resolving issues at its consumer unit. It's the second time BaFin has taken the unusual step since Christian Sewing became CEO in 2018.

Making the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's funding subject to congressional appropriations would bring some much-needed accountability to a runaway regulator.

In September's roundup of top banking news: Truist Financial promises to cut costs by roughly $750 million; former Wells Fargo exec Carrie Tolstedt is sentenced to three years probation; and more.

Commercial real estate borrowers, including vulnerable office tower landlords, are increasingly struggling to make payments and, as a result, more lenders are expected to report higher credit costs.