The agency found a 40% error rate in the 2016 data submitted by the Seattle bank. In addition to the fine, the institution is required to improve its compliance systems.

The bank said the move will give it more flexibility for raising capital.

Deferrals may be hiding credit issues, leading lenders to track deposit flows, property maintenance and other factors to gauge the true health of their portfolios.

The company, which recently completed an audit, set aside funds to cover issues tied with a lending program it discontinued last year. The move cleared the way for Sterling to file an overdue annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The industry says the 2017 cut in the corporate rate helped position lenders to support the economy when the pandemic hit. But a plan proposed by Democratic nominee Joe Biden could strain banks' capital investment and hiring, observers say.

Low rates and intense competition might lead some banks to ease underwriting standards in 2021, when the economy may not yet have recovered.

The company also found a buyer for its portfolio of equipment finance loans as it tries to clean up credit and refocus on middle-market lending.

Congress should pass legislation that would allow Home Loan banks to backstop deposits by local governments at commercial banks and lower the cost of bond financing, two mayors argue.

The company said the sale will provide more consistent financial results and allow it to redeploy funds to support other businesses.

Kasasa's turnkey product for community banks and credit unions offers a "take-back" option.

MatlinPatterson, which once owned more than 60% of the Michigan company, has been paring back its stake in recent years.

Thomas O'Brien will take the helm at Sterling Bancorp, which is dealing with internal control issues and probes by the OCC and Justice Department into its mortgage operations.

The sale completes First Choice affiliate Berkshire Hills Bancorp's exit from the mortgage origination business.

The move is part of an effort by CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger to help smaller lenders by significantly raising loan thresholds for collecting and reporting mortgage data.

By helping borrowers now, banks hope customers can quickly catch up on payments once the coronavirus pandemic ends. If they can’t, interest income will remain low and charge-offs could pile up if the crisis drags on.

Commercial real estate lenders have to consider not only how they’ll weather the COVID-19 downturn, but whether worker and consumer habits have changed for good.

The North Carolina company will hold onto the loans after the Fed's decision to slash interest rates.

The company disclosed that an internal review of a now-discontinued loan program found that employees engaged in misconduct tied to income verification and requirements, among other things.

Unity National Bank of Houston, which has reported losses three straight years, is receiving guidance and resources from Citigroup through a Treasury mentoring program.