Many bankers say they’re more comfortable with using artificial intelligence behind the scenes, but others — including Synchrony and Wells Fargo — insist AI can be used to interact with customers if it’s deployed properly.

Bigger banks complained that a two-tier system would force them to rethink their models, while smaller banks raised concerns about adding more complexity to an already burdensome process.

Both banks' need for scale started the conversation and the lifting of the SIFI threshold helped seal the deal. Here are five takeaways from one of the industry's biggest recent mergers.

Auto lending in particular was a strong area for institutions in both states.

Chemical is paying roughly $3.6 billion for the $23.5 billion-asset TCF. The combined company will be based in Detroit, Chemical's hometown, and operate under the TCF brand.

Among the things we've learned this earnings season: C&I is back, fee income is flat, and leveraged lending is beginning to "rear its ugly head."

At a FASB meeting Monday on proposed changes to the accounting standard, its critics will be given a platform.

The core-banking vendor won the investment and ringing endorsements from the trade group and several banks because its open system and cloud delivery could eventually challenge entrenched tech players.

The New York company will also match donations made by its employees to Feeding America and United Way Worldwide.

Small businesses short on cash can use advances from Fundbox to buy products from online suppliers.

Keith Wilton will also succeed Walter Kaczmarek as president in August.

The Pennsylvania company said it expects the digital bank to become profitable by the end of this year.

An improved net interest margin helped offset a slight decrease in fee income at the Wisconsin company.

The Lake Mary, Fla., credit union has agreed to buy Fidelity Bank of Florida, which the SBA designated as a certified lender in 2017.

Three groups in North Carolina have scrapped plans to start banks because of difficulty raising capital, among other reasons.

Wells Fargo named Steve Troutner head of the community bank's U.S. Western region, one of the unit's most senior outside hires since a scandal over bogus accounts erupted more than two years ago.

The bank says regulators want information about its possible role in the money laundering scandal; Kristi Mitchem moves to BMO Global Asset Management.

The New York company will add $504 million of asset-based and equipment finance loans as part of the acquisition.

The Boston company reported a quarterly profit despite special charges, mortgage headwinds and lost SBA revenue tied to the partial government shutdown.

Bank First's deal for Partnership is the third Wisconsin bank merger announced this week.