Regional banks

People’s United recently won the deposit business of the states of Massachusetts and Vermont, punctuating a multiyear plan to expand in government banking. But it’s a hard niche to succeed in, and, as other banks can attest, it can invite controversy.

The regional bank will record a pretax gain of about $1 billion as it continues to shed its stake in the payment processor Vantiv.

Many banks are adopting an “it takes money to make money” approach, paying more interest on deposits in exchange for loan growth, fee income and customer retention.

The key to an unsolicited bid is to avoid looking like a bully. That requires clear communication with a target's investors, employees and clients — along with any other banks you might eventually want to buy.

Rising taxes, declining population and the political landscape in Illinois have led several bankers to put more money and resources into nearby states.

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.

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.