BB&T is the nation's fifth-largest insurance broker. The deal, expected to close in the third quarter, would further expand its reach in the Southeast and Texas.
Many of the industry’s top executives — at big and regional banks alike — enjoy premium perks, including personal travel on corporate aircraft and minimal wait times for fancy medical exams. Here’s an overview of the special items disclosed to investors so far this year.
Numerous regional banks stand to benefit from a provision that narrows the scope of institutions defined as "systemically important" under the Dodd-Frank Act.
One problem is that banks are shifting to online and mobile channels for delivering advice, which is inferior to in-person communications, according to a recent survey conducted by J.D. Power.
A public-private coalition, including Citigroup and disability advocates, is testing financial literacy strategies in New York City that they hope will be used nationwide to improve the financial lives of Americans with disabilities.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has released a set of 10 standards for banks and credit unions that want to to offer small loans to subprime customers. Among its ideas: keep monthly payments at or below 5% of the borrower’s paycheck and make loans available quickly through digital channels.
Strong policies against sexual harassment appear to be a factor in shielding banks from the public shamings that have occurred in other industries, but even they know they can’t get too complacent. Some are ditching old training sessions and trying new things like coaching witnesses on how to report demeaning behavior.
It’s not necessarily new, but a confluence of trends — advances in technology, changing consumer preferences and banks’ need to diversify their balance sheets — has made it more popular than ever.
