Regions Bank

Flush with cash, many commercial firms are also opting to pay down debt rather than take on new loans, and those seeking financing aren’t always turning to banks to meet their needs.

As much as $2.5 trillion, or nearly half of bank deposit growth since the crisis, may be attributable to the central bank's quantitative easing. If investors start drawing down on their accounts to buy back assets from the Fed, the trend could dampen liquidity at certain banks, add upward pressure on deposit prices and reshape M&A.

Auto risks mounting. Mortgage market tightening. Are there any good risks these days in consumer lending? Regional bank executives insist partnerships with online lenders, unsecured personal loans and other niche efforts can work if done properly.

Even with card defaults ticking up slightly, regional banks remain committed to pursuing more credit card business as they look to both diversify their balance sheets and deepen relationships with customers.

JPMorgan Chase’s partnership with OnDeck Capital was expected to augur a wave of similar agreements between banks and online business lenders. But so far, most banks have avoided joining forces with companies they also view as competitors.