Banking and Lending
Megabanks Report Record Profits Despite Economic Uncertainty
By Matt Ott | The Associated Press | July 20, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkFive of the biggest U.S. banks reported record profits on last week, boosted by their trading desks and a remarkably resilient American consumer amid persistent global economic uncertainty.
Under the Hood of PeoplesBank’s Innovation Engine
By Sam Lattof | July 16, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkPeoplesBank is not looking to be your average community bank, says Chief Operating Officer Aleda DeMaria.
Banking Regulators Issue New Guidance on Lending Risk Tied to Borrowers Illegally in US
By Fatima Hussein and Ken Sweet | The Associated Press | July 14, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkThe Trump administration is taking additional steps to prevent people living in the U.S. illegally from using the nation’s banking system, cracking down on financial institutions that are lending money to them.
Patriot Bank OCC Enforcement Actions End
By Sam Lattof | July 7, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkPatriot Bank is now free from enforcement actions initiated by The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and says it wants to grow its assets by around $700 million.
What Powered Connecticut’s Top LOs?
By Sam Lattof | July 2, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkEvery year, the Commercial Record analyzes mortgage data to identify the state’s top loan originators. In a tough market, what helped them beat their competitors? One bank’s experience offers clues.
What the Supreme Court’s Ruling Means for Federal Reserve Independence
By Christopher Rugaber | The Associated Press | July 1, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkThe Supreme Court on Monday said the Federal Reserve, unlike any other agency in Washington, has a measure of independence from the presidency and day-to-day politics. But the court didn’t define to what extent.
Patriot Bank Expands Into Florida
By Sam Lattof | June 22, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkStamford-based Patriot Bank is heading south. The bank is opening a branch in Palm Beach, Florida.
Warsh’s Gamble: A Quieter Federal Reserve Could Mean Volatile Markets, Higher Rates
By Christopher Rugaber | The Associated Press | June 22, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkLike many economists, Kevin Warsh thinks the financial markets have become too dependent on Fed guidance, and that such direction is more effective in financial crises or economic downturns.
Liberty Bank Creates ‘AI Center of Excellence’
By Sam Lattof | June 19, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkLiberty Bank is enhancing its investment in artificial intelligence with a new project dubbed the “AI Center of Excellence.” It will serve as the hub for AI strategy, governance and execution across Liberty Bank’s personal, commercial and digital banking operations.
Ion Bank to Merge With The Cooperative Bank
By Sam Lattof | June 18, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkIon Bank will be merging with The Cooperative Bank, with the latter operating as a division of the Connecticut-based institution.
Patriot Bank Expands High Net Worth Banking Program
By Sam Lattof | June 16, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkWhile Patriot Bank is expanding its presence in Fairfield County, the bank is also expanding its high net worth banking program.
Treasury Expands Bank Data-Sharing Rules Tied to Trump Immigration Crackdown
By The Associated Press | June 15, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkThe Treasury Department moved Friday to enlist the nation’s banks more deeply in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, including issuing fresh guidance that lets banks rapidly share information about suspected customers.
Skyline Financial FCU COO Adds EVP Duties
By Sam Lattof | June 11, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkSkyline Financial FCU’s COO Benjamyn Frye will add EVP responsibilities to his schedule.
Treasury Warns Banks of ‘Red Flags’ Tied to Undocumented Customers
By Fatima Hussein and Ken Sweet | The Associated Press | June 8, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkFederal financial crimes investigators want banks to help as part of the Trump administration’s latest measure to clamp down on immigration.
A Big Name Makes a Big Jump
By Sam Lattof | May 14, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkNitin Mhatre’s jumping from a $12 billion bank to a $2.3 billion bank as he takes the reins at First County Bank. The attraction? New ways to have an impact – and a little fun.
DR Bank Eyes New York Expansion
By Sam Lattof | May 8, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkDR Bank, headquartered in Connecticut, submitted an application to open a new branch in White Plains, New York.
Bessent Wants to Invest in Financial Literacy for Americans
By Fatima Hussein | The Associated Press | May 6, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent winces at the allure of easy money – whether it’s lottery tickets, buy now, pay later loans or the promise of a crypto windfall.
First County Bank Launches Insurance Products to Compete with Bigger Players
By Sam Lattof | May 1, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkAs economic conditions grow more uncertain, Rick Muskus says First County Bank is positioning itself as a reliable financial partner for businesses.
Warsh as Fed Chair May Not Lead to Rate Cuts
By Christopher Rugaber | The Associated Press | April 27, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkPresident Donald Trump has made it clear he expects his choice for Federal Reserve chair to quickly cut interest rates once he takes office. Yet Americans shouldn’t pencil in lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans or business loans just yet.
Stamford Bank CEO Transition Takes Effect
By James Sanna | April 21, 2026 | Reprints | Unlock LinkStamford’s First County Bank has formally passed into the care of Nitin Mhatre, formerly CEO of the $12 billion-asset Berkshire Bank.




