Growth strategies

IPO done, expectations mount for Eastern Bankshares

12/31/20

Speculation is swirling that the Boston company will go on a buying spree after raising $1.8 billion, though some investors are advising caution. This tension makes CEO Bob Rivers one of our community bankers to watch in 2021.

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Diversification, M&A may lie ahead for New York Community under new chief

12/29/20

The switch to Thomas Cangemi from longtime CEO Joseph Ficalora could foreshadow a push to curtail the company’s reliance on multifamily lending and the pursuit of a bank acquisition that lowers funding costs.

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OceanFirst chief eyes possible merger of equals next year

12/29/20

Chris Maher recently unloaded loans hurt by the coronavirus shock, convinced he was freeing the New Jersey company of baggage that could impede a large M&A deal. This assertive move makes him one of our community bankers to watch in 2021.

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First Reliance in S.C. cites growth push in announcing executive moves

12/28/20

The company promoted two executives as part of an effort to revamp its leadership team and establish a bigger presence in the Carolinas.

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Cross River chief prepares for PPP encore

12/28/20

Gilles Gade, one our community bankers to watch in 2021, led an effort that made Cross River Bank one of the biggest Paycheck Protection Program participants. He is ready for his team to pick up where it left off when the new stimulus package kicks in.

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Small Baltimore credit unions to join forces

12/24/20

Members of $6.3 million-asset FIAFE Federal Credit Union will vote early next year on whether to merge into $43 million-asset Central Credit Union of Maryland.

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Glut of holiday shopping could benefit credit unions in 2021

12/23/20

With one study showing consumers racking up additional credit card debt this season, some members may be eager to consolidate their balances in the year ahead.

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1st Advantage FCU in Virginia set for merger growth

12/22/20

Riverside Health System Employees Credit Union has announced plans to merge into the Yorktown-based credit union, which is roughly 100 times its size.

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Farmers & Merchants expanding in northeast Indiana with Ossian deal

12/22/20

The company will pay $20 million in cash for a bank with two branches and $58 million of loans.

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Banks can’t ride fee income gravy train much longer

12/17/20

Noninterest income has bolstered profits this year. But its growth is expected to slow over the next two years, making for a gloomy earnings outlook unless vaccine distributions and the economic recovery are relatively swift.

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