Retail & Commercial

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department said Thursday it will auction off its preferred shares in 11 more institutions that remain in the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Consumers who own a debit card issued by their bank definitely prefer that payment method to other options, including alternatives such as PayPal.

Improving conditions in the real estate market are helping Washington Federal (WAFD) in Seattle, but tight margins and other challenges lie ahead.

Jeff Davis Bancshares of Jennings, La., has agreed to acquire Guaranty Capital, as the buyer expands northward in its home state.

East West Bancorp grew its commercial loans and reduced deposit costs, sending the largest Chinese-American bank to its seventh consecutive quarter of higher profits.

The good news is that several dozen banks are projected to outpace peers in loan growth in the year ahead. The bad news: only half will profit from doing so.

Consistency and ample communication are the cornerstones of acquisition announcements. Compassion and reassurance to your new team members flow to your customers and the community.

Third-quarter profit at Astoria Financial (AF) improved as it continues to emphasize multifamily and commercial real estate loans, and cut costs.

Bankers urged their counterparts to rally against Basel III and other regulations at the American Bankers Association conference in San Diego. In contrast, regulators tried to convince bankers that their voices would be heard in Washington.

Commercial banks donated significant amounts of money to some of the most critical -- and most hotly contested -- congressional races this year.