Practice management

The regional bank recorded $130 million of legal charges during the fourth quarter in connection with the resolution of a legal battle involving overdraft fees. Its earnings also took a hit from $63 million in employee severance costs.

The Providence, Rhode Island-based bank has steadily revamped certain parts of its strategy. Now, it will update its systems for serving customers.

In the 11 months after Fifth Third completes its acquisition of Comerica, the Cincinnati bank plans to send 13 million-to-14 million pieces of paper mail to retail customers. CEO Tim Spence says the old-fashioned method "still works," and actually has some advantages over more modern modes of communication.

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.

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."

"These changes reflect adjustments we're making to ensure our staffing levels, locations and expertise align with current business needs; efficiencies we have gained through technology; and progress against our transformation work," the company said in a statement.

The bank, which has ties to prominent right-wing political figures, is touting its intention to embed cryptocurrency into loans, deposits and investment offerings.

One of the leading makers of pre-packaged salads has acquired a 16.3% stake in Salinas, California-based Pacific Valley Bank. "It's a real vote of confidence," the bank's CEO said.

The company's asset and wealth management business is completely cutting ties with proxy advisors, opting to build its own research and public company voting system. JPMorgan is the first bank to stop using firms such as Glass Lewis and ISS.

The 81-year-old Metamora State Bank renamed itself Bank419 to better align its brand with its business after years of regional expansion.

The merger of equals, which received a chilly reception from investors when it was announced in July, closed faster than analysts had expected.

Last year highlighted the risks for banks in lending to nondepository financial institutions. A new approach by Trump-era regulators could change the playing field.

Community banks are always looking for ways to expand local engagement. But for some banks, sponsoring disc golf courses, clubs and events offers a relatively inexpensive way to boost their profile among a very loyal customer base.

New Jersey-based OceanFirst Financial slid in its planned $579 million acquisition of Flushing Financial just before the end of the year. The private equity firm Warburg Pincus is also participating in the transaction.

It's not just Capital One Cafés; banks all over the country are repurposing branches and offices. Marketing experts call it innovative, but critics say some lenders are crossing a legal boundary between banking and commerce.

National ad campaigns are impressive. But few things create more goodwill or lasting impact than visible, hands-on support of a community's youth, no matter the size of the bank.

Bank merger and acquisition activity rebounded this year, led by Fifth Third's $10.9 billion proposed purchase of Comerica. Huntington, PNC and Columbia were involved in some of the other biggest deals announced in 2025.