Team building

Sometimes, things just click. That's what happened at The Clearing House conference this week, when our teamwork was at its best. We sat side by side, drafting and publishing headlines in real time. We worked the rooms together, signaling with a nod which newsmakers to approach. We compared notes and published dispatches that were enlivened by images from our photographer. Our journalists have developed a shorthand that enables us to communicate without saying a word. This week's update showcases that collaboration.

Onward:

As Wall Street financiers gathered in downtown Manhattan, their optimism about President-elect Donald Trump's deregulatory agenda was tempered by uncertainty over his personnel and policies.

Trump's return to the White House could usher in a wave of bank mergers and acquisitions as the administration appoints regulators who are more open to approving larger deals.

Bank CEOs expressed confidence in the dealmaking outlook and consumers' financial health. Rebounding investment banking activity is expected to boost Wall Street bonuses.

Elon Musk's political ascendancy stoked hopes from some bankers that they may be able to offload $13 billion of debt that backed the billionaire's purchase of X.

Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. threw their weight behind Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick as Trump weighs who to appoint as treasury secretary.

On the regulatory front, U.S. officials warned bankers that the government will continue to beef up efforts to fight money laundering and enforce know-your-customer rules.

Meanwhile, bank executives and lawyers anticipate the incoming administration to place significant limits on the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

In this week's field report, here's another team photo:

Big thanks to the aforementioned team of aces Nupur Anand , Tatiana Bautzer , Peter Schroeder , Michael Derby , Chris Prentice and Brendan McDermid.

Coming up this week -- we'll be watching Trump's appointments for key positions, arranging follow-up meetings and attending media receptions.

Have a great week,

Lananh