Courage. Sexism. Culture. Banking's leaders discuss some of the powerful influences on their daily decisions and their vision for moving the industry forward.

A number of states still have a disproportionately high percentage of unbanked and underbanked citizens. Bankers in those states hope that financial education, along with efforts to promote checking accounts and small-dollar loans, will get more people into the banking system.

A bill looming in Congress would require the Internal Revenue Service to accept electronic transmission of lending-related forms, which could speed up the lending process by days.

Pinnacle Financial in Nashville, Tenn., has sold $120 million in subordinated notes and will use the proceeds to retire existing debt and bolster its capital levels.

Montana's biggest bank will have to compete in cities such as Seattle and Portland, Ore., after buying Cascade Bancorp. But the company is arguably more excited about its chances to grow in central Oregon and Idaho, which are more like its existing markets.

Fifth Third Bancorp in Cincinnati has expanded its community development pledge to $30 billion.

Banks should focus on strategies to ensure their sales incentives programs actually help drive profits. Otherwise, their rewards programs are at risk of adding zero benefit to their bottom line.

The $1.1 billion-asset company said in a press release Friday that Richard Riccobono had also joined the board of unit First Financial Diversified Corp.

Smaller banks risk falling behind if they do not make space for financial innovation, Comptroller of the Currency Thomas Curry warned Friday.

First NBC Bank Holding in New Orleans said in a press release Thursday that its bank entered into a consent order with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions on Nov. 10.

Simmons First National in Pine Bluff, Ark., has agreed to buy the parent of First South Bank in Jackson, Tenn.

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The Independent Community Bankers of America has asked a federal judge to reject a motion by the National Credit Union Administration petitioning for the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by the ICBA that challenges recent revisions to the agency's member business lending regulation.

The $9 billion-asset First Interstate said in a press release Thursday that it will pay $589 million, or $7.60 a share, for the $3.2 billion-asset Cascade.

NewDominion Bank in Charlotte, N.C., has a new president. The $325 million-asset bank said in a press release Wednesday that Tim Ignasher will also lead its commercial banking division.

Abington Bank in Massachusetts is planning to merge with Holbrook Co-operative Bank in Massachusetts.

Home BancShares in Conway, Ark., said in a press release Thursday that its bank has been declared the winning bidder for Bank of Commerce in Sarasota, Fla., as part of a bankruptcy auction.

Banks already have a difficult time collecting data on mortgage lending to minorities. New data requirements scheduled to take effect in early 2018 could lead to even more mistakes — and financial penalties — not to mention higher compliance costs and longer delays in closing loans.

Carter Bank in Virginia had been enjoying record profit until it was ordered to beef up Bank Secrecy Act compliance. The institution is the latest community bank to take a hit from enhanced oversight.

Sterling Bancorp in Montebello, N.Y., is planning to raise up to $81 million through a stock offering.