Competition for deposits is tight, the outlook for loan demand is uncertain, and regulatory relief is slow-moving. Yet community bankers are feeling better about the economy than they have in two years, a Promontory Interfinancial Network survey found.

Capital One agreed to buy KippsDeSanto, a Northern Virginia company that specializes in advice to the defense and government contracting sectors.

A senior official at the European Central Bank warned that banks embracing external data storage and other digital technology need to face the reality that those systems are inviting targets for hackers.

Under a state proposal, annual percentage rates would have to be disclosed on nonbank commercial loans of $500,000 or less. Lenders' responses have been mixed depending on their business model.

Deutsche Bank overhaul plan will put taxpayers and the financial system at risk; the San Antonio company names three women to key technology positions; issuers like Chase and Citi need to think beyond traditional card options; and more from this week's most-read stories.