Among this week's editors' picks: a feature on State Bank Financial's pending sale to Cadence Bancorp. and a data dispatch on the benefit that big U.S. banks got from the tax cuts.

US regulatory relief should trigger large-bank M&A

A Senate bill that would increase the asset threshold for systemically important financial institutions will likely trigger some large bank deals, conference attendees said.

What State Bank's sale says about the credit cycle

State Bank Financial Corp. Chairman Joe Evans has created another attractive return for his shareholders with the planned sale to Cadence Bancorp., and other bankers should take notice.

Big US banks get boost from tax cuts, but analysts look for new catalysts

The savings on tax reform could especially provide a much-needed bump for embattled Wells Fargo & Co.

Credit unions emerging as competitive threat to US banks in C&I lending

Community banks have become increasingly dependent on business loans in recent years, causing concern about a recent influx of credit union competition in commercial and industrial loans.

As acquirers look for scale, small banks face shrinking buyer universe

Certain small banks looking to sell might have a tough time finding a buyer, bankers and analysts said at a conference in Denver.