Cash-Flush, North Dakota-Owned Bank Eyes Student Line

The Bank of North Dakota has seen its student loan business pick up as more traditional lenders left the business due to narrowing margins and falling demand for ...

North Dakota Bank Gets into Holiday Spirit and the Oprah Spirit

Last year the Christmas party for State Bank and Trust in Fargo, N.D., had a "Deal or No Deal" theme, with all the employees getting $1,000 to keep. This year they got $1,000 to give.

SBA Program to Foster 7(a) Loans in Rural Areas

One of CountryBank USA's business customers wants to expand its fast-food restaurant and is seeking a $35,000 unsecured loan — the exact type of loan for which the bank would want a Small Business Administration guarantee.

SBA Testing Rural Lending Program

The Small Business Administration is testing a program meant to encourage more community banks and credit unions to make government-guaranteed loans in rural markets.

North Dakota Bank Makes a Tough Choice on Lucrative Unit

BNCCorp Inc. was so successful selling insurance that the Bismarck, N.D., banking company had to make a choice.

North Dakota Loan-to-Deposit Ratio Is No. 1

North Dakota's loan-to-deposit ratio was tops in the nation for the second straight year, according to findings released Tuesday by federal regulators.

Seven More States Take Up ILC Branch Debate

WASHINGTON — The number of states debating legislation that would block Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and other commercial companies from using an industrial loan company to offer in-store banking services has more than doubled, to 12.

In Brief: N.D.'s Loan-Deposit Ratio No. 1

North Dakota ended Indiana's two-year streak as the state with the nation's highest loan-to-deposit ratio, according to findings released by federal regulators.

Spread Out, BancWest Now Aims to Fill In

Twenty new branches next year, organic growth, and deals

After two large acquisitions that have pushed BancWest Corp. across the Rockies and the plains states, the company is adjusting its sights to focus on filling in its newly expanded 19-state service area through branching and smaller acquisitions.

Is Standard Needed on Data Flubs?

Six states have enacted tough data privacy measures in recent weeks and legal experts say that with others likely to follow, it may be time for Congress to create a national standard.

BancWest Agency Eyes Deal Entry to Six States in West

BW Insurance Agency Inc., a Fargo, N.D., subsidiary of San Francisco's Bank of the West, says it will seek agency deals in six states - Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, New Mexico, and Nevada - where it now has no offices but could help fill out its parent's footprint.

AgStar a Willing Bidder, But Is It an Able One?

AgStar Financial Services is willing to top Rabobank Group's bid for Farm Credit Services of America by $50 million.

Western Drought Could Hamper Ag Lenders Again

So far this year farmers plagued by the now five-year drought throughout the West and the Great Plains have done a better job paying back their loans than they did last year.