Economy

Valley National's latest acquisition would make it a much bigger player in Florida and provide a platform to write more auto loans. Both markets present attractive returns but high risks.

Up to now, the most successful fintech firms have tried to fill gaps in underserved market, not replace banks. But a new crop of U.K. startups seeking bank charters is turning up the heat.

Advancements aimed at speeding the flow of information by eliminating manual processing are helping the global custody bank attract new clients and win more business from existing ones, fueling revenue growth and improving efficiency.

It is only a matter of time before bankers and policymakers realize that the concept keeping banks and non-financial entities apart no longer has any underlying support.

Profits at the Puerto Rico-based company rose in the second quarter, lifted in part by commercial loan growth in its U.S. operations. Popular executives said they have sold off the company’s remaining direct exposure to the island’s central government.

He is, by Wall Street standards, a small-time banker. But in 2014, with Donald Trump eyeing a run at the White House, Stephen Calk stepped into the big-money world of New York real estate — and a network of Trump associates.

The Westbury, N.Y., company reported a 15% drop in earnings despite recording a large gain on the sale of some securities.

The Louisiana company, which recorded a large loan-loss provision to cover energy-related chargeoffs, also disclosed a new regulatory order from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

As real estate loans continue to be a key product, CUs are investing in personnel focused on these offerings.

Just as pre-crisis success was illusory, so too might be expectations that banks could ever regain that type of profit growth again.

Citi is holding its first investor day since the financial crisis, plugging credit cards and its Mexican business; Morgan Stanley's market cap tops Goldman's for the first time.

While Freddie Mac is moving cautiously into buying manufactured housing loans not secured by land, Fannie Mae is moving more aggressively. Industry representatives are divided on which approach is superior.

On March 31, 2017. Dollars in thousands

On March 31, 2017. Dollars in thousands

On March 31, 2017. Dollars in thousands

Associated Banc-Corp is the latest industry welterweight to get back into M&A. That should benefit larger sellers that have watched the bigger regionals sit idle in the last couple of years.

The Birmingham, Ala., bank has been cutting exposure to indirect auto, multifamily and medical office lending, categories it deems high-risk.

The Ohio company also reported that credit quality metrics remain well within its targeted range.

Increased dealings in direct consumer lending and guaranteed student loans offset a decline in mortgage-related income. A lower loan-loss provision also helped the bottom line.

Same-day Automated Clearing House transactions exist, in part, as a first step in the faster payments initiatives taking place in the U.S. But are they lucrative enough for acquirers to add to their portfolio?