M&T Bank

Many of the Buffalo, N.Y., bank’s commercial loans have exited forbearance granted in the early days of the pandemic — except hospitality and retail, which were given longer dispensation.

Wilmington Trust, the wealth management arm of M&T Bank, is extending its hiring spree and considering acquisitions of registered investment advisers.

Banks reported decent loan growth in the spring and early summer as businesses rushed to draw down credit lines and tap the Paycheck Protection Program. But demand has been muted since, and bankers can only guess when it will pick back up.

The bank's innovation group has developed a software tool for law firms. It hopes the project will help it speed products to market and attract top technology talent.

Banks, under pressure to act hastily, began taking applications for government aid to small businesses hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. But narrow eligibility rules at some banks angered business owners and lawmakers.