National banks

Royal Bank of Canada showed it can defy expectations even while being more selective in lending.

The past year has been a wild ride for everyone, but it has left bankers in particular with many reasons to count their blessings.Consider, first of all, the recent legislative action on Capitol Hill. After the surprise Republican sweep during last year's elections, bankers began putting together a wish list for policymakers, which included lower corporate taxes and a higher asset threshold for systemically important financial institutions. Congress has taken steps to address both issues.Regulatory agencies in Washington are also becoming more business friendly.

Full-time equivalent, as of Jun. 30, 2017. Dollars in thousands.

Add MUFG Union to the roster of traditional banks launching a digital division that aims to grab deposits. PurePoint is going up against some more established competitors who are evolving their strategies.

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the billionaire with significant stakes in Citigroup and Twitter, was arrested by Saudi Arabian authorities as part of an alleged anti-corruption purge in the kingdom.