Alan Kline

Looking to move forward after recent accounting issues forced it to restate its 2010 earnings, Suffolk Bancorp in Riverhead, N.Y., has hired Howard C. Bluver as its chief executive, succeeding J. Gordon Huszagh.

The past year was a mixed bag for bankers. Some found success in picking up market share, or in finally putting federal bailouts into rear view. Others encountered fresh challenges, from run-ins with regulators to the realities of a still-fragile economic recovery. With the new year sure to bring its own mix of achievements, redemption stories and trouble spots, the editors of American Banker offer 10 bank CEOs worth watching in 2012.

The former chief executive of Butler Bank in Lowell, Mass., has been banned from the banking business and fined $225,000 in connection with the thrift's failure last year.

Umpqua Bank in Portland, Ore., has become the latest bank to be sued for allegedly manipulating the way in which it processed debit card transactions in order to rake in more overdraft fees.

Ahead of the planned sale of its credit card arm to Capital One Financial Corp., HSBC North America has renewed its private-label credit card agreements with Saks Inc. and three other retailers.

Private Bank of Buckhead in Atlanta is looking to open its second branch in suburban Decatur.

NexBank Capital Inc. in Dallas has raised roughly $20 million in fresh capital this year after recently completing a stock sale to group of investors.

Security Federal Corp. in Aiken, S.C.. has reorganized as a bank holding company and its subsidiary, Security Federal Bank, has converted from a federally chartered thrift to a state-regulated commercial bank.

Hawaii is by far the priciest state for houses in the U.S., while Mississippi is the least expensive state in which to buy a home.

Continuing to bulk up in Texas through bite-sized deals, Independent Bank Group Inc. in McKinney said this week that it is buying the $155 million-asset I Bank Texas in Austin.

NB&T Financial Group Inc. in Wilmington, Ohio, said it expects fourth-quarter provision for loan losses to be "substantially" higher than it was last quarter due to a likely default on a loan to a single commercial customer that has $1 million balance.

A Virginia lawmaker is urging his colleagues in Richmond to consider creating a state-owned bank that would use deposits from residents and state agencies to lend to local businesses and stimulate economic growth.

Susquehanna Bancshares Inc. in Lititz, Pa., is planning to eliminate nearly 350 jobs in Pennsylvania and Maryland, according to notices it filed with labor departments in both states this month.

The Carlyle Group, a powerhouse private-equity firm that has been aggressively acquiring stakes in ailing banks, is looking to raise additional funds to invest in troubled and capital-starved financial institutions.

The District of Columbia government keeps most of its deposits at Bank of America, but that could change under a proposal the city council is mulling that would require the city to shift some funds to community banks.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has ordered First St. Charles Bancshares Inc. in Boutte, La., to use whatever resources necessary to ensure that its bank subsidiary, First National Bank USA, remains well capitalized.

MetLife Inc. took a step closer to exiting the banking business Tuesday by announcing that it is selling the bulk of its deposits to GE Capital Finance Inc.

Flush with capital after raising roughly $1.1 billion in a stock sale late last year, Capitol Federal Financial Inc. in Topeka, Kan., now plans to deploy some of that capital by repurchasing up to 10% of its shares.

The Kane County Cougars' 20-year old baseball stadium will be christened with a new name starting next season: Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

ESSA Bancorp Inc. in Stroudsburg, Pa., announced early Thursday that it is buying the $421 million-asset First Star Bancorp Inc. in Bethlehem, Pa., for $24.2 million in cash and stock.