Growth strategies

The companies say they're working hard to complete their deal this year — including spending millions on retention payments and other items — but there's no guarantee how quickly regulators will make their decisions.

The deal will create a nearly $500 million-asset bank.

Its quarterly results show lower rates and emerging credit risks can be overcome. Whether most banks have all the same levers to pull is another matter.

Despite a strong economy, volume in the agency's flagship loan program has declined for two straight years. Here's why.

The Providence, R.I., bank recently installed a new regional head in California to oversee a commercial banking expansion into five western states. The bank says it’s trying to craft a successful growth strategy while reassuring investors it isn’t overreaching.