U.S. regional banks are poised for top-line improvement as loan growth finally emerges in 2022, while interest rates could become more supportive. Lending looks set to rebound as the challenges created by low commercial-line utilization and Paycheck Protection Program runoff ease and strength in consumer continues. Potential Fed rate hikes in 2H offer hope for net interest margin expansion. Bank M&A has been robust, but a slow regulatory-approval process could hinder dealmaking.