And designated community banks, such as First Bank of the Americas in the heart of Chicago's Hispanic district, are supported by the Treasury when they offer low-cost services, such as basic loans, aimed at previously unserved populations.

ECONOMIST: Banking for immigrants

First Bank of the Americas, for instance, has linked up with churches serving immigrants.

ECONOMIST: Banking for immigrants

Among the U.S. sectors in which bankers expect to see more activity are industrials, financial services, technology, clean technology and housing-related areas, said Mary Ann Deignan, head of equity capital markets for the Americas at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

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