Expense management

These execs say they are finding ways to reduce fixed costs in areas such as branching and personnel, offer appealing tech, yet provide in-person services when customers have concerns.

The Little Rock, Ark., bank said first-quarter profits rose slightly and that it plans to dissolve its holding company to trim regulatory costs.

The cuts punctuate the end to a rapid expansion period at the company, which now seems to be prioritizing profitability over growth.

The company also seems to be shifting the narrative to operational performance after addressing claims of questionable insider dealings.

The Livingston, N.J., company took a big hit in the fourth quarter as it continued to divest certain business lines and restructure its operations.

Quarterly profit fell at SunTrust Banks in Atlanta as noninterest expense rose 8.4% and its loan-loss provision increased.

The Minneapolis company reported gains in lending and fee income, but merit-pay increases and compliance-related spending contributed to higher noninterest expenses.

The San Francisco private bank reported double-digit gains in originations and noninterest income that led to a nearly 30% increase in profits last quarter.

JPMorgan Chase said profit rose 24% as bond-trading revenue climbed more than analysts estimated and expenses fell.

PNC’s fourth-quarter profit improved on higher lending to corporate customers for real estate and other loans.