New Pinnacle CEO aims to prove merger skeptics wrong
Bank investors are typically wary of mergers of equals. Kevin Blair, CEO of the newly combined Synovus and Pinnacle, maintains that this deal is different, but also acknowledges that it’s now time to prove it.
Wisconsin’s Bank First finalizes acquisition of in-state rival
Bank First in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, has completed its acquisition of Centre 1 Bancorp in Beloit; Citi plans to shed its remaining Russian operations; Heritage Financial in Olympia, Washington, has received regulatory approvals to acquire Olympic Bancorp; and more in this week’s banking news roundup.
Baltimore mayor sues fintech Dave for ‘usurious’ fees
The lender traps consumers in an “exploitative cycle of debt,” Brandon Scott said.
Tech executive departs UBS to become CEO of N26
Mike Dargan, former chief operations and technology officer for UBS, stepped down at the end of 2025 and will become the CEO of neobank N26 this spring.
Payment fintechs push stablecoin tech for 2026
Following the passage of federal legislation, stablecoins are generating a lot of buzz, but are still seeking uses beyond investment. Payment firms are pushing technology to entice merchants and consumers to support the digital asset.
Pinnacle emerges as $117B bank after completing Synovus deal
The merger of equals, which received a chilly reception from investors when it was announced in July, closed faster than analysts had expected.
Press Release: FDIC Issues List of Banks Examined for CRA Compliance
PRESS RELEASE | JANUARY 2, 2026 FDIC Issues List of Banks Examined for CRA Compliance WASHINGTON – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today issued its list of state nonmember banks recently evaluated for compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The list covers evaluation ratings that the FDIC assigned to institutions in October 2025. […]
What happens to your bank when AI systems go offline unexpectedly?
As artificial intelligence is integrated into more and more core banking operations, bank boards of directors need to make sure business continuity plans account for the possibility of AI system failures.
Lending to nonbanks is booming. Will it last in 2026?
Last year highlighted the risks for banks in lending to nondepository financial institutions. A new approach by Trump-era regulators could change the playing field.
Most-read AI stories of 2025
Articles about the AI deployments of big banks and of scammers generated clicks from American Banker readers.