Banks technically relieved of the “systemically important” label in last spring’s legislative package are lobbying regulators hard over concerns that they could still face tough standards.
On paper, conditions would seem favorable for regional banks to pursue acquisitions in order to overcome organic growth challenges. But executives have poured cold water on that idea in recent days.
A shifting C&I landscape, heated competition for deposits and red flags in consumer lending also took center stage in often testy exchanges between bankers and analysts on quarterly earnings calls.
Several hard realities, including legacy technology and the pace of change in software and apps, leave firms vulnerable to outages that stir public outcry.
The company continues to be restricted from pursuing acquisitions until the Federal Reserve lifts its enforcement order requiring it to strengthen anti-money-laundering controls.
