BankThink

Union Bankshares has reached an agreement under which Federal Savings Bank will originate mortgages in its branches.

The agency's bulletin opens the door to banks' making more short-term loans to borrowers with lower credit scores — with few parameters beyond "sound underwriting."

Senior executives from Barclays, Bank of America and other big banks urged women to aim high, take chances on challenging jobs and — perhaps most important — provide support to other high-performing female colleagues instead of viewing them as a threat.

The planned acquisition will add $187 million in assets in the Puget Sound area.

The bill heads to President Trump for signing; U.S. banks earned an aggregate $56 billion in the quarter, including a boost from tax reform.