The same day Provident Financial Services announced it had agreed to buy Lakeland for $1.3 billion, the seller disclosed an ongoing fair-lending investigation by the Justice Department. Provident said it has "not heard anything" that would give it pause.

The all-stock acquisition of Lakeland Bancorp, expected to close in the second quarter of 2023, would create a combined bank with more than $25 billion of assets.

The class-action lawsuit was brought on behalf of mortgage borrowers who were allegedly placed into forbearance during the early days of the pandemic without their consent.

The Consumer Bankers Association and the Center for Responsible Lending said the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should renew its efforts to level the regulatory playing field between larger bank and nonbank companies that make installment and other kinds of personal loans.

More than 350 investors put money into Agility Bank, a de novo minority depository institution that opened in May. It raised nearly $41 million, well surpassing its $30 million goal.

The Minneapolis company, which increased its minimum wage to $18 an hour in June, will bump it up to $20 in response to inflationary and competitive pressures.

Auto loan growth eased substantially in the second quarter amid competitive pressures from credit unions and other lenders.

As regulators mull the Toronto bank's deal for First Horizon and broader guidelines around bank combinations, community groups called for stronger investment commitments from the two banks before they are allowed to merge. 

A new bipartisan senate caucus organized around community development financial institutions is just the latest sign that the sector's political influence is reaching new heights. 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said a company doesn't need to experience a data breach for the agency to consider taking action.