News Topic: Community banking

The leader of an Ohio mutual is urging his peers to follow the lead of credit unions by forming groups to share technology and collaborate on lending and deposit gathering. ... Read full article

Virginia National will set aside up to $950,000 to cover losses after ReliaMax, a firm that issues surety bonds for student loans, was placed into liquidation. ... Read full article

Northwest Bancshares in Pennsylvania, which built a reputation as an active acquirer, is taking a step back under Ronald Seiffert to evaluate ways to grow without M&A. ... Read full article

Aquesta Financial Holdings expects to record a post-tax gain of $1.7 million from the sale of its insurance business. ... Read full article

The deal is designed to improve capital ratios and reduce risk at the Seattle company. ... Read full article

While there are many reasons consolidation has slowed in the Keystone State over recent years, there are factors in play that could lead to a resurgence in activity. ... Read full article

Chris Furlow, who was a founding staff member at the Department of Homeland Security, is now the president and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association. ... Read full article

Union Bankshares in Virginia sold Shore Premier Finance, a business it inherited from a recent acquisition. ... Read full article

The Oakland company has hired Colleen Atkinson, a former manager at HSBC, to oversee its new professional banking business line. ... Read full article

Peapack-Gladstone has agreed to buy Lassus Wherley & Associates, which has offices in New Jersey and Florida. ... Read full article

Commercial real estate is their bread and butter, but many banks are scaling back in this vital loan category. Here’s why. ... Read full article

As branches evolve to become more education-oriented, banks are taking their cues from retailers, hotels and other service sectors. ... Read full article

Banc of California in Santa Ana will cut roughly 9% of its workforce as it looks to trim $15 million in expenses. ... Read full article

Spirit Community Bank would be the first new bank in North Carolina since 2009. ... Read full article

Sponsoring so-called pitch competitions helps lenders gain Community Reinvestment Act credit and gather deposits. ... Read full article

First-Citizens Bank & Trust in Raleigh, N.C., has agreed to buy Capital Commerce in Milkwaukee. ... Read full article

FNS Bancshares has agreed to buy Catoosa Bancshares in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., in all-cash deal. ... Read full article

SmartFinancial has agreed to buy Foothills Bancorp for $36 million. It would be SmartFinancial's fifth bank acquisition since 2012. ... Read full article