Many banks are adopting an “it takes money to make money” approach, paying more interest on deposits in exchange for loan growth, fee income and customer retention.
The key to an unsolicited bid is to avoid looking like a bully. That requires clear communication with a target's investors, employees and clients — along with any other banks you might eventually want to buy.
The Federal Reserve Board has to have a community banker among its members. But that may be complicating the president's ability to fill vacant seats at the central bank.
The ranks of mutually owned banks are in decline. Survivors say sharper marketing, better access to capital and lower barriers to entry could stop the bleeding.
