Banks Blessed by Feds Repay TARP

Some also took pains to distinguish their firms from others that still need further support, like Bank of America (BAC), Citigroup (C) and Wells Fargo (WFC), or other smaller banks getting fresh funds as well-capitalized firms return them.

Northern Trust President and CEO Frederick Waddell said his firm was "proud to participate in the program as a strong, well-capitalized bank," BB&T CEO Kelly King said that now the funds are largely paid off, the company has "a singular focus on the business of serving our clients." US Bancorp CEO Richard Davis called the repayment a "significant step forward" that will allow the bank to "return to operating from a position of both independent strength and strategic flexibility."

Joseph Woelfel contributed to this report.

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