Retail & Commercial

Many community banks seem to have forgotten that they are most valuable for their ability to identify customers' pain and put an end to it. But fierce competition from fintech startups like Lending Club and Kabbage offers a reminder that they cannot afford to disregard this reality.

The CFPB is considering suing Navient Corp., the largest student loan company in the U.S., for allegedly cheating borrowers. Navient officials disclosed Monday in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

Citizens First in Bowling Green, Ky., has appointed a Tennessee businessman and a Kentucky government official to its board.

Phoenixville Federal Bank & and Trust in Pennsylvania has converted to a state charter.

ASB Bancorp in Asheville, N.C., has received its second demand in less than a month to put itself on the auction block.

Regions Financial in Birmingham, Ala., has hired a former Bank of New York Mellon executive as head of its corporate trust group.

While banks have been backing away from branching, a recent study by SNL Financial that credit unions have been adding more new branches the last couple of years.

The global market turmoil could be good for mortgage lenders if a further drop in long-term interest rates sparks another refinancing wave. It also could spell trouble for those that have not properly hedged their servicing rights.

When the hurricane hit the Gulf Coast nearly a decade ago, it brought with it unimaginable destruction. Still, it also allowed the area's banks a chance to work together, connect with clients and work toward a stronger future.

Stock fluctuations will fuel investment banking fees in the short run, but a prolonged shock would complicate bank M&A and could tighten margins, crimp wealth management fees and present other risks.