The third-party investigation will assess the bank’s progress on a pledge to spend at least $1 billion providing mortgages, small-business loans and other banking services in underserved neighborhoods.

Goldman Sachs Group is awarding a special bonus to Chief Executive David Solomon just months after docking his pay for the bank’s role in a corruption scandal.

The Indiana company told investors that it’s ready to complete its combination with First Midwest Bancorp but that it’s unclear whether a recently filed mortgage discrimination lawsuit will get in the way of Fed approval.

Citigroup told staff to avoid scheduling calls and meetings from noon to 1 p.m., another step in CEO Jane Fraser’s push to ease workers back into the office. 

American Express will allow employees to work from wherever they want at least four weeks a year as part of the company’s push to offer greater flexibility even after the pandemic subsides.

Year to date through June 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

Full-time equivalent, as of June 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

This past year has proven that traditional leadership models will not take us forward. Attracting and retaining talent, especially diverse talent, depends on how well we listen to and understand the many changes in what employees value.

Jane Fraser told analysts the company will spend what’s necessary to satisfy regulators’ concerns about risk management and internal controls. That includes incentives to encourage senior executives to resolve the problems promptly.

More banks are boosting salaries to lure and keep workers in a highly competitive hiring market, but the pressure is on to trim expenses elsewhere to offset the pay hikes.