Regional banks

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.

The Bridgeport, Conn., company is developing a specialty in banking technology businesses. Like so many other small regionals with ambitious growth plans, it faces a tricky balancing act: how to take creative risks without getting in over its head.

Technology is often cited as the leg up large banks have in winning over customers, but regionals are worried about the “billions and billions” bigger rivals can pour into ubiquitous ad campaigns.

Zack Bishop has experience in blending the systems of merged banks, according to Synovus, which this summer announced its first whole-bank deal in more than a decade.

His knack for public policy, dedication to technological improvements once considered the province of big banks, and willingness to tear up a business model that he and his father built make him our top Best in Banking honoree.

Bank groups are pushing a variety of proposals to delay the loan-loss rule or soften its impact. The accounting standards board has agreed to review at least one of them — but at a pace that might not be fast enough for lenders.

Christopher Kay will oversee the Buffalo, N.Y., bank's branch and ATM networks as well as development of products and services that seek to mimic the cutting-edge offerings of other industries.

The ratings agency said that it views rollbacks of stress-test comparisons and liquidity coverage ratio requirements as "negative" for banks with between $100 billion and $250 billion of assets.

The North Carolina regional bank will gain four locations and $834 million in loans.

The bank has long had a program in place to train new employees, but now it’s testing a pilot to help retrain existing staff for different careers at the institution.

In his second straight day of congressional testimony, the central bank’s top regulatory official was put on the defensive about a pending proposal to relieve regional banks from the toughest supervisory requirements.

The move allows the New York multifamily lender to make more loans without having to raise capital.

While they won’t be in position to enact legislation, House Democrats could use their newfound power to spotlight issues that Republicans have largely ignored, including the exploding levels of corporate debt.

Raises for the rank and file have fueled investor complaints that banks aren’t keeping a lid on expenses. Executives say the pay increases have lowered turnover and improved customer service.

The Federal Reserve Board plan to revise its post-crisis framework promises reduced compliance costs and other benefits. But some analysts see the removal of guardrails as increasing failure risk, which may spook investors.

Clarfeld Financial Advisors will become a division of Citizens Bank Wealth Management.

The $263 million portfolio has been covered by a loss-share agreement since an investor group bought the failed BankUnited in 2009.