This week's editors' picks include a Data Dispatch on bank M&A activity in 2018; an article on the effects of the Senate's Dodd-Frank revision bill; and a feature on de novo trends.

Searching for yield, US banks reach further out the curve in bond portfolios

For the last two years, U.S. banks have steadily increased their exposure to longer-dated bonds, despite regulators' continued warning that the bonds make banks more vulnerable to interest rate risks.

In bank M&A, focus sharpens on low-cost deposits

Bank experts and analysts say an intensifying pursuit of core deposits is fueling bank mergers and acquisitions in 2018.

Dodd-Frank changes to exempt vast majority of banks from Volcker, HMDA reporting

The Senate's Dodd-Frank revision bill would free 97.1% of all top-tier banks from Volcker rule compliance and 77% of financial institutions and credit unions from new HMDA reporting requirements.

De novo activity on the rise as 'idle talent' returns to bank industry

Some former bankers believe industry consolidation and the prospect of deregulation mean that now is the right time to start a de novo. But capital requirements for new banks are still tall hurdles to clear.

Credit unions join banks in the fight for funding

Many credit unions were flush with liquidity coming out of the financial crisis because their deposit rates were often higher than competing banks. But some institutions say those funds have been lent out, and they are now looking for more.