Retail & Commercial

The growth of digital payments, coupled with the U.S.'s new open banking framework, may finally move the needle for an alternative form of credit decisioning.

MainStreet Bancshares in Fairfax has closed its banking-as-a-service subsidiary after the unit fell far short of meeting its revenue and deposit targets.

The Dallas-based regional bank doesn't plan to halt in-progress investments, but it may adjust the pace of spending this year, depending on which way the economy goes. It also made downward revisions to its outlook for average loans, net interest income, fee income and expenses.

Both the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency signed off on the $35 billion transaction, which has faced opposition since it was announced last February.

The Ohio-based regional bank is poised to outperform in the second quarter after coming close to "hitting on all cylinders" during the first three months of the year, CEO Steve Steinour said.

The investment and custody bank beat Wall Street estimates on net income but missed on revenue expectations. An increase in fee revenue offset stagnant net interest income. Management expects more of the same for the rest of the year.

The auto lending specialist did not alter its financial guidance in the wake of President Trump's 25% levies on imported vehicles. Ally posted a net loss of $225 million in the first three months of 2025 following a one-time balance sheet restructuring.

The parent company of Regions Bank released modest growth first-quarter earnings, anticipating a slowdown in the economy due to market volatility.

The super-regional bank cited "a material slowdown" in investment banking and trading income as one reason for the lower revenue forecast. Interest rates are also a factor, executives said.

Whether intentionally or not, regulatory incentives and punishments drive banks out of a lending market, to the detriment of the banking industry, consumers, American business and, in the long run, regulators themselves.