Oklahoma

The deal for the Denver commercial lender joins a growing list of large acquisitions being announced in competitive urban markets.

Natalie Bartholomew, a banker in Oklahoma, has launched a blog designed to promote women's issues and tout her peers' accomplishments.

Southwest Bancorp, frustrated with a lethargic stock price, opted to find a buyer last summer. It was holding talks with Simmons First when the post-election run-up in bank stocks gave its shares an unexpected lift. Did it do the right thing by proceeding?

Under Steven Bradshaw, the Oklahoma bank is engaging employees as never before by investing heavily in training and development. Don't think customers haven't noticed.

Gov. Mary Fallin, a Republican, sided with consumer advocates over payday lenders in a fight that is playing out in numerous states.