BankUnited hires new CFO; Ponce Bank’s CEO to chair CDBA

BankUnited hires Wells Fargo’s James Mackey to be its new chief financial officer; Ponce Bank President and CEO Carlos Naudon is named chairperson of the Community Development Bankers Association; Jefferson Bank announces the retirement of longtime President and CEO Danny Butler; and more in this week’s banking news roundup.

Pinnacle-Synovus deal, 2025’s largest, draws market backlash

Investor reaction to the proposed $8.6 billion deal has been sour, with both banks’ share prices falling more than 11% as of Friday afternoon. The response appeared to reflect the market’s distaste for mergers of equals and the risks associated with crossing the $100 billion-asset threshold.

Bipartisan bill seeks to boost affordable housing

The Community Investment and Prosperity Act would increase the statutory cap for bank investment into community development projects, unlocking “billions in capital” that can be directed to affordable housing.