The combination of the banks is the latest in a trend of deals closing on speedier timelines, and signals the industry's hunt for scale.

U.S. Bancorp shuffles management as COO Souheil Badran announces his retirement; Stock Yards Bancorp agrees to buy Field & Main Bancorp; Citi's wealth business hires Mercer's Olaolu Aganga for a newly created role; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

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The Minneapolis-based company will return to its former governance structure when it installs CEO Gunjan Kedia as board chair. Andy Cecere had served as chair during his tenure as the company's chief executive, and then became executive chair when he stepped down as CEO last year.

Acquiring Stellar Bancorp will create the second-largest Texas-headquartered bank, with a No. 5 deposit share in the massive Houston marketplace.

Julia Carreon is suing the bank, alleging she suffered race and sex discrimination, including sexual harassment by Andy Sieg, the bank's head of wealth management. On Tuesday, Citi hit back by filing a petition to compel arbitration and accusing Carreon of making false claims.

A Delaware judge denied HoldCo Asset Management's emergency motion for a temporary restraining order to stop the deal from closing. Fifth Third plans to complete its purchase on Feb. 1.

CEO Gunjan Kedia joined nearly 70 chief executives of Minnesota-based companies in calling for "an immediate de-escalation of tensions" in Minneapolis, where a second resident was fatally shot by federal immigration agents on Saturday.

The bank technology seller closed the sale of its payment processor to Global Payments, which sold its card issuing unit to FIS. Helping banks get a handle on artificial intelligence is a big part of FIS' plan to reach banks.

The Boston bank, which has been targeted by an activist investor over its M&A strategy, isn't pursuing deals, CEO Denis Sheahan said Friday. Instead, the company is focused on organic growth and share buybacks.

Goldman Sachs makes leadership changes across its global credit business; JPMorganChase names Simon Dale global head of the credit portfolio group lending; Citi hires Anand Govind as a managing director on its technology investment banking team; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

The McLean, Virginia-based bank plans to close the deal in mid-2026, about a year after it sealed its landmark purchase of Discover Financial Services.

The acquisition will improve how clients can use agentic artificial intelligence to attract and reel in consumers.

Three weeks after completing its "merger of equals" with Synovus Financial, Pinnacle Financial Partners said it plans to hire 225 to 250 revenue-generating bankers in 2026 across its newly expanded Southeast footprint.

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Executives surveyed by American Banker said companies vying to wrestle market share from banks are a major threat to operations in the coming year.

The Cleveland-based bank announced changes Tuesday to its board of directors, including the appointment of a new lead independent director. Last month, activist investor HoldCo Asset Management urged the bank's board to not re-nominate its longtime lead independent director.

MUFG Securities Americas is designated a primary dealer by the New York Fed; Founders Bank appoints Chris Lipscomb its senior vice president and chief lending officer; the Independent Community Bankers of America names Charles Yi senior executive vice president of government relations; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

The Huntsville, Alabama-based regional bank is well positioned to defend its Southeast footprint, according to CEO John Turner. It's hiring more bankers in growth markets, it has strong brand recognition and it has a long history in its core markets, he said.

"We're coming into your market," PNC Chief Executive Bill Demchack said Friday. "If you're not coming into our market to come fight us, we're coming to your market to come fight you, and we're going to get some percentage of your market."