Deposits

More buyers, spurred by increased lending and an improved economy, are pursuing deals for banks with an abundance of cheap deposits.

Wells Fargo gets tipped off by OCC on investigation; HSBC is wading back into U.S. mortgage waters; a bank uses artificial intelligence to combat money laundering; and more.

Online banks and some credit unions are responding to Fed rate hikes by aggressively raising deposit rates on CDs, savings accounts and money market products, while the nation's biggest banks are largely standing pat — for now.

With rate hikes aplenty expected this year, Wells Fargo and Bank of America are said to be subdividing key markets to target deposit pricing in the future and minimize costs. These are among several innovative steps large banks are taking to prepare for more competition for deposits.

If community banks fail to keep up with higher rates offered by online banks, credit unions and (soon) big banks, their liquidity may deteriorate even faster.

If community banks fail to keep up with higher rates offered by online banks, credit unions and (soon) big banks, their liquidity may deteriorate even faster.

Deposit prices are starting to rise, deposit growth is slowing, commercial loan growth remains tepid (with some exceptions) and concerns are mounting about the economic toll of U.S. trade policy, bank executives said just a few weeks ahead of the end of the quarter.

A debate is brewing about whether rising rates mean banks must pay more to hold onto deposits from city and county governments — and whether they are worth it. Some would say no question on both counts, while others say it all depends on the financial strategy of the client and how badly the bank needs that client.

On Jun. 30, 2017. Dollars in thousands.

On Sep. 30, 2017. Dollars in thousands.

Year to date Sep. 30, 2017. Dollars in thousands.

The Detroit company recorded an 11% increase in car loans and leases originated during the fourth quarter, as well as a jump in yields. Ally appears to be benefiting from Wells Fargo's substantial retrenchment in auto lending.

On Sep. 30, 2017. Dollars in thousands.

Both proposals aim to establish institutions that would be modeled after Bank of North Dakota, the nation's only public bank.

Net interest income has surged thanks to rising rates, but noninterest income has lagged as trading revenue has weakened, refi demand has softened and fees from deposit service charges have barely budged. Is this the new normal?

NewDominion, which has completed an improbable turnaround, is the last community bank based in Charlotte, N.C.

Banks have been in full cost-cutting mode in recent years, but with profits expected to increase substantially as a result of tax reform, all analysts and investors want to know is how they plan to spend their tax savings.

Changing political and economic forces are raising new questions about deployment of tax savings and the cost of deposits, while old concerns about cost-cutting, credit quality and risk-taking persist or return.

Carter Bank & Trust’s founder shunned internet banking and handled most executive duties himself. He died in April and his successor, Litz Van Dyke, is now working at breakneck speed to modernize this once-hidebound Virginia bank.

David Becker is trying to prove to investors that his Indiana bank can succeed over the long term. With the rise of online banking and fintech firms, Becker is a community banker worth watching in the new year.