THE increasing capital calls on local banks and financial holding companies (FHCs) is a natural catalyst for more merger and acquisition (M&A) activities in the sector.
At the same time, it’s no longer fun to own a bank. Increased regulation and capital calls combined with a bleak business outlook should mean that there must be better ways to invest your millions if you were a major shareholder of a bank. Of course, that’s just layman thinking. Some owners of banks know that it’s a privileged place to be and tend to take a longer-term view of things.