Regional banks

A debate is brewing about whether rising rates mean banks must pay more to hold onto deposits from city and county governments — and whether they are worth it. Some would say no question on both counts, while others say it all depends on the financial strategy of the client and how badly the bank needs that client.

National Credit Union Administration Chairman J. Mark McWatters made an appeal to credit union executives to work with small community banks when it comes to advocating for shared goals.

A mix of tax sweeteners and a lower cost of living has prompted banks such as MUFG Americas, Northern Trust and Bank of the West to locate corporate-level jobs in Phoenix and surrounding areas.

Harrison Finance has 35 offices, nearly 140 employees and about $95 million of outstanding loans.

First Citizens, which wants to buy KS Bancorp, has filed a lawsuit to challenge a so-called poison pill provision that the much smaller bank's board recently passed.

Having solid relationships with those who cover the banking industry can lend credibility to management teams, especially when times are tough.

Strong policies against sexual harassment appear to be a factor in shielding banks from the public shamings that have occurred in other industries, but even they know they can’t get too complacent. Some are ditching old training sessions and trying new things like coaching witnesses on how to report demeaning behavior.

Capital One has been rolling out coffee shops where it can offer banking services — but are not considered branches. The cafes have been especially effective at gathering deposits, putting more pressure on community banks that have already been losing deposits to their larger rivals.

Investors, a former serial acquirer that has been sidelined by an informal order tied to Bank Secrecy Act compliance, has hired an executive from EverBank.

Bank stocks recovered some of their lost value on Tuesday on extremely high levels of trading volume. The lone exception: Wells Fargo.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Tuesday he is resigning as CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable as speculation grows that he plans to run for governor again.

Bank stocks tumbled on Monday amid a wider sell-off as investors' concerns mounted that wage growth could lead to inflation, higher borrowing costs for businesses and changes in the Fed's rate-hike plans.

Several banks suffered fourth-quarter hits when they reduced the value of certain energy investments. Still, renewable energy could remain a viable business thanks to other benefits embedded in the tax law.

Profits fell 42% at the Birmingham, Ala., bank because of a $121 million tax charge in the fourth quarter, but net interest income and noninterest income each rose 14%, softening the blow of the one-time tax hit.

The regional bank sold the business, which serves about 90 clients, to a New York commercial finance firm.

The company, which has been actively curbing growth to avoid becoming a systemically important financial institution, reported lower loan balances and reduced fee income after exiting the residential wholesale mortgage business.

Kim Manigault, who previously was chief financial officer for the company’s technology and operations organization, will be responsible for ensuring that Key continues to make diversity and inclusion a priority in hiring.

The Louisiana company recorded charges tied to recently passed tax reform and the purchase of Sabadell United Bank.

The Texas bank also capitalized on rising rates and a positive adjustment to deferred taxes tied to tax reform in reporting a double-digit gain to profits in the fourth quarter.

The New York company recorded more than $130 million of expenses tied to its October purchase of Astoria Financial.