Retail & Commercial

Equity Bank agreed to buy most of the assets, and assume all the deposits, of Almena State Bank.

The company's Silicon Valley Bank unit reduced its loan-loss cushion by $52 million. Private-equity and VC clients have warmed to the practice of doing deals virtually, which increases lending opportunities, SVB executives said.

The legislation would help institutions with less than $15 billion of assets avoid regulatory requirements resulting from participating in the small-business relief program.

Foreign banks for years have been using technology that folds several communication and information-sharing capabilities into one platform. Now Citigroup and others here are showing interest because of the growing importance of digital in the pandemic.

The Democratic nominee has not gone as far as some progressives in support of financial inclusion, but ideas such as postal banking, a government-run credit reporting system and universal bank accounts would likely gain traction under a Biden administration.

With the COVID-19 pandemic creating unprecedented challenges for small businesses, American Express has increasingly targeted its investments in that niche.

The bank said the move will give it more flexibility for raising capital.

The assertion by former Goldman Sachs executive Gary Cohn that smaller banks won't be viable in a high-tech world overlooks their success in partnering with fintechs, according to the Independent Community Bankers of America.

The Connecticut company, which began reviewing its operations in January, said the effort gained momentum when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

The company will close nine branches over the next three months.