The tie-up of BB&T Corp and SunTrust Banks Inc, the biggest banking merger since the 2008 financial crisis, could herald a new era of rapid consolidation among the nation’s regional banks. In many ways the BB&T-SunTrust deal underscores the growing might of the nation’s largest banks since they were bailed out by taxpayers a decade ago. Their hold over the industry and its customers has left once-thriving regional rivals struggling to compete, making smaller lenders prime targets. In the midwest, three midsize banks are duking it out in Ohio: Fifth Third Bancorp, Huntington Bancshares Inc and KeyCorp. “Considerable technology investment needs and limited structural growth suggest even larger regional banks may look to expand through acquisition.”

Source: Taipei Times February 08, 2019 15:56 UTC