Could a Cincinnati bank merger create more jobs?

UC economics professor weighs in on Fifth Third’s bid to buy Comerica

WLWT reported that Fifth Third Bank plans to acquire Comerica, a Dallas-based regional bank, in a $10.9 billion deal.

Pending regulatory approval, it would make Fifth Third the ninth largest bank in the country. 

David Brasington, economics professor at the University of Cincinnati's Carl H. Lindner College of Business, spoke to WLWT on what the potential merger could mean for the queen city.

"My initial impression is that it's great for the city because Fifth Third is a thriving institution and this will probably just make it stronger," he told WLWT. 

Brasington explained that Fifth Third’s acquisition could lead to more regulatory stress tests, and in turn, more work. He said it could create more jobs in the city and draw in more people, including college students.

"To be able to have a big institution in the city that's gaining jobs instead of losing jobs would be really attractive for college students," Brasington said. 

See the full story on WLWT

Featured image at top of $100 bills. Photo/Adobe Stock

Related Stories

1

What would expanded access to GLP-1s mean for the obesity rate?

December 4, 2025

The World Health Organization recently issued its first guidance on GLP-1 medications for adults with obesity — recommending long-term, continuous use when clinically appropriate. Malti Vij, MD, University of Cincinnati adjunct associate professor in the College of Medicine's Department of Internal Medicine, appeared on Cincinnati Edition on 91.7 WVXU News to discuss GLP-1s and what expanded insurance coverage of the medications might mean for Americans.

2

Teaching empathy and courage

December 4, 2025

Two University of Cincinnati co-op students engage children in hands-on “Superhero Activation” activities at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, helping young visitors learn kindness, courage and how to be upstanders.

3

CCM hosts Conducting Master Class March 5-8, 2026

December 3, 2025

UC College-Conservatory of Music hosts the CCM Conducting Master Class on March 5-8, 2026. Open to emerging and established conductors, participants will have the opportunity to learn from CCM Director of Orchestral Studies Mark Gibson while working with the CCM Philharmonia.