Recruiting from competitors can be hard to pull off, and it won't create more equity in the industry. Some of the Best Banks to Work For are finding ways to develop, support and promote women who are already on the payroll.

The National Credit Union Administration backed off measures that would have let credit unions sign up members in areas where they have ATMs and online services, but no branches. The move was seen as a partial victory for banks, though the matter could ultimately be decided by Congress.

Regulators are requiring an operational overhaul at The Federal Savings Bank. Its former CEO Stephen Calk, who sought a job in the Trump administration, was convicted in connection with loans the bank made to onetime Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort.

Adelphi Bank in Columbus, Ohio, would be just the nation’s fourth depository with a predominantly African American board of directors. “The hope is that we change lives,” said Jordan Miller Jr., who would serve as president and CEO.

Lincoln Parks at Heritage Bank in Georgia built from scratch its social media following, a digital-only way to open accounts and (in 48 hours) a Paycheck Protection Program lending system. For these and other efforts, Parks is a runner-up for American Banker’s Digital Banker of the Year.

Now that dispersed workforces are expected to be the long-term norm, banks are taking steps to maintain a sense of teamwork and giving managers new training in troubleshooting.

Patriot National Bancorp was exploring a digital pivot, and American Challenger Development Corp. had been seeking a bank charter in its quest to become open an all-digital bank. They decided it was quicker to join forces.

On Jun. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

On Jun. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

The acquisition of First Sound Bank would give the fintech a lending platform to go along with its deposit-gathering capabilities. It would be BM's first buyout since being spun off from Customers Bancorp last year.

Overall 90 banks earned a spot on American Banker's ninth annual ranking of the Best Banks to Work For. An employee survey is one facet of the selection process.

Americans are changing jobs in record numbers, posing a challenge for all employers. Here's how the Best Banks to Work For are redoubling their efforts to recruit and retain talent.

The purchase of Peoples Banktrust would create the fifth-largest bank based in Georgia’s most populous metropolitan area.

First Busey Corp. is investing in software to eliminate the drudgery of some tasks. But this Best Bank to Work For will judge the success of the tech initiative by employee engagement more so than just efficiency. The goal is to boost morale.

A focus on getting work done more efficiently has prompted these midsize banks to rearrange responsibilities, eliminate red tape and use technology to automate repetitive or tedious tasks. Some are also enhancing leadership development and increasing employee benefits amid an increase in turnover.

From paying for lawn care when an Army Reservist on staff was deployed to offering employees office space and laptops for their children to do school work, United Bank in Alabama aims to make life easier for the people who work there. It is also ramping up internal training programs.

The largest of the 2021 Best Banks to Work For, those with more than $10 billion of assets, are trying new recruiting tactics and ramping up diversity efforts.

The Illinois company plans to combine Guaranty Federal Bancshares in Springfield with another bank it bought in the region.

The Pennsylvania community bank lacked the resources to go all-in on developing a diversity, equity and inclusion policy, so it turned to grad students at Georgetown University for help.

The smallest of the Best Banks to Work For have figured out how to thrive in an environment where many employees are working fully or partly from home. Some are using flexibility as a tool to stave off burnout.