Retail & Commercial

The Spanish banking giant is doubling down on its U.S. operations, unlike other foreign-owned banks that have abandoned efforts to reach American consumers. It's doing so partly by better integrating its large auto lending business with its retail bank.

Stripping out the 25 largest banks by U.S. assets, Federal Reserve data showed the industry gained back $5.8 billion of deposits.

Two years ago, the parent company of Silicon Valley Bank promised $11.2 billion in community development support. Activists want First Citizens, which acquired much of the failed bank, to fulfill the commitment.

The Pacific Northwest bank said Robert Butterfield would replace veteran finance chief Peter Conner, who plans to retire this year.

A case of mistaken identity is sparking a sell-off in Republic First Bancorp Inc., which is down more than 40% this month because investors have it confused with embattled First Republic Bank.

Peapack-Gladstone Financial CEO Doug Kennedy is betting that giving his workforce the same hospitality training hotel employees receive will lead to better customer service and a healthier bottom line.

In March's roundup of American Banker's favorite stories: How rising interest rates took community banks by surprise, small banks and credit unions react to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, ex-Wells Fargo executive Carrie Tolstedt faces potential jail time and more.

Since 2011, and in ever-growing volume, credit unions have been buying community banks. Some see it as the free market at work while bankers say this is another example of credit unions' unfair advantage.

The regulation — mandated more than a decade ago to combat discrimination — will make lenders provide data on approvals and denials of small-business loan applications, the cost of credit and demographics of borrowers.

Greenlight, developer of a digital banking app for kids and parents, launched a B2B product for financial institutions. Morgan Stanley and WaFd Bank are early partners.