Banks are lending to companies and individuals at the fastest pace since the financial crisis, propelling profits to near-record levels. U.S. banks posted $40.24 billion in net income during the second quarter, the industry's second-highest profit total in at least 23 years. Banks set aside less money to cover soured loans, helping to boost profits. At the same time, overall loan growth increased at its fastest quarterly pace since the financial crisis, topping $8 trillion in total loans outstanding for the first time since SNL began tracking the data in 1991. Commercial lending rose at an annualized 12.6% rate in the second quarter. Growth in consumer lending also has picked up, to about 6% from 3% a year ago.