p17ku2lchqcgc1j9anea1ua0nk1c.jpg
The most notable quotes from American Banker stories of the previous week. Readers are encouraged to add their own observations in the Comments fields at the bottom of each slide. (Image: Fotolia)
p17ku2lchq1v9110bf132q1f7h1cn8.jpg

On what led the Federal Housing Finance Agency to veto a plan aimed at saving taxpayers millions in force-placed insurance premiums:

"Incompetence or corruption. It's got to be one or the other."

- Robert Hunter, consumer advocate and former Texas insurance commissioner

Related Article: Big Banks Win, Taxpayers Lose as Fannie Insurance Overhaul Spiked

(Image: Bloomberg News)
p17ku2lchqctq1ohn1cktti411359.jpg

On banks' failure to provide data that would show whether the black and Hispanic communities hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis are getting the bulk of relief:

"If the banks are aboveboard, they should be proud of what they're doing. The mere fact that they're being secretive about this is proof positive that they are lying to us."

- Mark Seifert, executive director of Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People, a Cleveland housing group

Related Article: Civil Rights Groups Call for More Disclosure in Mortgage Settlement

(Image: Bloomberg News)
p17ku2lchq4481u11doatqs14sl5.jpg

On why Berkshire Hathaway is aiming to increase its stakes in Wells Fargo and American Express:

"Mae West had it right: 'Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.'"

- Warren Buffett, in a letter to shareholders

Related Article: Warren Buffett Craves More Shares of Wells, Amex

(Image: Bloomberg News)
p17ku2lchq1fatoa11kpv14o4c4v7.jpg

On why JPMorgan's plans to cut staff and invest in technology will pay off in the future:

"My guess is four years from now we make a lot more money."

- JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon

Related Article: JPM's Winding Road to 'Organic' Growth Focuses on Tech, Job Cuts

(Image: Bloomberg News)
p17ku2lchq194inmu2052sh7ae3.jpg

On making the point that People's United Financial's boss is serious about cutting expenses:

"This is not a project or initiative -- this is our life's work,"

- John Barnes, CEO of People's United Financial

Related Article: Deals Likely to Remain in Mix for F.N.B., People's United
p17ku2lchq1nri1oam1iq04t81euie.jpg

On the prospects of BancorpSouth-and Washington D.C.-finding ways to cut expenses:

"If we can find 2.5% [in cuts], I bet other people can, too. No political agenda here."

- Dan Rollins, CEO, BancorpSouth

Related Article: BancorpSouth CEO Explores Wide-Ranging Cost Cuts
p17ku2lchq1o21197btvr1u1idlb.jpg

On why bank buyers have become more willing to pay premiums:

"The benefits of getting larger have never been greater."

- Phil Weaver, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers

Related Article: Bank Sellers' Motives Shift to Expansion from Desperation

(Image: Thinkstock)
p17ku2lchqds3n93lu1qtq1f8cd.jpg

On why it would be hard for a U.S. bank to pursue a purchase of Citizens Financial Group:

"Public policy is discouraging big banks from getting bigger."

- Jeff Davis, managing director of the financial institutions group at Mercer Capital

Related Article: A Citizens Financial Sale Would Face High Hurdle in Regulators

(Image: Thinkstock)
p17ku2lchq18cnhscfgv1i7svp26.jpg

On why Toronto-Dominion Bank does not plan to buy Citizens Financial:

"If we were to look at a larger deal it would need to fit the bank's strategy, timing and risk appetite... We do not believe that a transaction to acquire RBS's Citizens Bank is available that meets these criteria."

- Ed Clark, CEO of Toronto-Dominion Bank

Related Article: Toronto-Dominion CEO Denies Interest in Buying Citizens

(Image: Bloomberg News)
p17ku2lchq1ifd1kpk113d11orhbla.jpg

On why the rationale for bank M&A is changing:

"It is moving away from 'How do you survive?' and toward 'How do I grow?'"

- Old National Bancorp CEO Bob Jones

Related Article: Bank Sellers' Motives Shift to Expansion from Desperation
p17ku2lchq1id5gp0bdaqi11lut4.jpg

On why Glacier Bancorp is coming out of a multi-year M&A hiatus:

"There are enough … really good solid banks that we could probably stay pretty busy over the next three to five years."

- Glacier Bancorp CEO Mick Blodnick

Related Article: Glacier in Montana Plans More Deals: CEO Blodnick
p17ku2lchq1g0pqv0k341mme1f0ef.jpg

On whether, upon return from abroad, he will contest the proposed merger between Bond Street and Atlantic Coast Financial:

"Will have plenty to say about it after I return."

- Jay Sidhu, disgruntled investor in Atlantic Coast Financial

Related Article: Bond Street Prices Threat of Investor Fight into Florida Deal
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER