Financial institutions

The Columbus, Ohio, company plans to close nearly 200 branches in the state — including more than 90 in Meijer grocery stores — after it acquires TCF Financial. It also intends to significantly boost its technology spending to improve its digital capabilities.

Deposits are soaring while loan demand lags and mortgage-backed securities offer weak returns. So the Alabama company has parked loads of cash at the Fed in hopes the economy will pick up steam before profit margins suffer.

It would force national banks to make loans to high-risk industries that often pose dangers to vulnerable communities. The next comptroller of the currency should instead promote equal credit availability for consumers who need it most.

The Cleveland company will launch the service in March to broaden relationships its Laurel Road student loan refinancing unit has built with health care professionals.

Southern Bancorp, which recently raised $35 million in capital, agreed to acquire DeWitt First Bankshares, the parent of Arkansas County Bank.

Year to date through Sep. 30, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

Full-time equivalent, as of Sept. 30, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

Year to date through Sep. 30, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

The project will deploy $20 million as secondary capital to expand economic relief and financial inclusion, and follows a $1 million project last summer aimed at helping low-income consumers in Rust Belt cities.

The new global wealth division, which is being formed by combining the firm’s private bank with a unit that serves substantially less wealthy households, will be led by Citi veteran Jim O’Donnell.