Banking

Royal Bank of Canada reorganizes its executive leadership ranks; pending startup BankMiami gets approval from Florida's Office of Financial Regulation; Rize Credit Union's Julio Jimenez-Wenz joins Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs; and more.

After its planned sale to a larger competitor fell through, the renamed bank plans to expand into new markets, starting with St. Louis.

Investment banking fees shot up at the nation's largest bank, thanks to rebounds in M&A and the equity capital markets segment. And despite higher credit costs in the company's card business, a top bank executive expressed confidence in the health of U.S. consumers.

The San Francisco bank's interest expenses continue to rise as depositors switch to higher-yielding options. At the same time, soft loan demand from business customers is putting a lid on how much interest Wells is collecting from borrowers.

A federal appeals court ruled that the Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits not just outright discrimination but also the discouragement of prospective applicants for credit.

Higher funding costs, lower loan demand and the potential for increased credit costs continue to drag on the sector heading into second-quarter earnings season.

The top five community banks have combined first mortgage loans of more than $2.8 billion as of March 31, 2024.

After the megabank was hit with $136 million in regulatory fines over its alleged failure to comply with 4-year-old consent orders, analysts assessed the likely fallout. "There is clearly frustration on the part of regulators," one analyst wrote.

Susser Bank has proved successful attracting business from small and midsize companies the past two years. It's hoping a successful capital raise and continued branch expansion can extend the trend.

The ratings firm evaluated 4,100 loans to assess the state of 41 banks' commercial real estate risk. It found that the lenders should be holding, on average, about twice the amount of reserves they currently have for office loans.

The Cincinnati bank has agreed to pay a total of $20 million to settle a lawsuit by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over fake bank accounts and to resolve separate violations involving force-placed auto insurance.

The Sacramento-area institution moved quickly and decisively to fill the gap created by the loss of First Republic and Silicon Valley Bank. A first-quarter rise in Bay Area deposits is a sign of bigger gains to come, San Francisco Bay Area President DJ Kurtze says.

Marcus Castilla was recently named director of the Oklahoma bank's digital banking unit for service members; he shares what Roger offers today and some plans for the future.

A law that took effect this week allows Florida consumers to ask state regulators to investigate why a financial institution canceled an account or rejected a loan application. The law, which applies to federally chartered banks, could lead to a legal battle over the limits of state powers.

The OCC's new Vital Signs initiative gives bankers an important tool to help them assess the financial health and stability of their customers, and to help them build a strong foundation for the future.

Former employees of the Austin-based City National Bank still recall the 1981 flood that deluged the city and Whole Foods, and they take pride in the lender's role in rescuing what was then a fledgling health food store.

The focus should be on the millions of Americans whose credit reports contain serious errors, and who are increasingly desperate for relief.

With the line between banks and fintechs growing ever blurrier, financial services supervisors ought to consider adjusting regulation to fit the kinds of activity an institution is engaged in.