Regional banks

Intrepid Investment Bankers provides advice on M&A and capital markets activities.

Investors are spooked by banks' exposure to oil and other sectors threatened by a global slowdown as well as by policy uncertainties, but banks argue credit quality is strong and recession fears are exaggerated.

Synovus has given CFO Kevin Blair the additional title of COO. He will oversee three business lines, plus tech, operations and product and treasury management.

Associated will gain low-cost deposits and branches in 13 new markets after the deal closes.

The regional bank is working with customers to help develop and launch new products, including a small-business credit card.

Speaking at an investor conference Wednesday, John Turner said that sellers’ asking prices are too high and that Regions would prefer to buy a nonbank that could help boost fee income.

Big-bank execs downplayed gloomy economic forecasts and said a commercial lending rally, niche M&A and smart tech spending will drive growth in 2019.

Our Best in Banking honorees for 2018 share some of the smartest bits of advice and blows from the school of hard knocks that they've received over the years — and who (or what) supplied them.

The Midwest regional recently announced a referral partnership with the fintech lender CommonBond. By offering customers an option to refinance student loans at more favorable terms, the bank is hoping to cultivate their loyalty.

U.S. earnings climbed 44% from a year earlier, aided by lower taxes, a widening net interest margin, record contributions from its stake in TD Ameritrade.