Hilary Burns

Organizers plan to raise $25 million to $35 million in initial capital to focus on small and midsize businesses in northern Virginia.

Through the "Where We Live" program, the bank will direct philanthropic giving to two wards in the nation's capital and provide financing for affordable housing.

Driver Management said it would also support National Bankshares if it decided to sell itself.

The California company reported increases in loans and deposits, along with a wider net interest margin.

The Connecticut company also reported modest loan growth and a greatly improved net interest margin.

Bigger banks appear to be losing C&I share to small and midsize lenders. That's raising questions about whether community banks — known more for commercial real estate lending — have enough expertise to underwrite deals that larger banks avoid.

ABA Insurance Services, which is owned American Bankers Mutual Insurance, offers a range of services to banks, small businesses and nonprofits.

Efficiency gains also drove results at the Kansas City, Mo., company.

The added heft will help companies like Independent Bank and Berkshire Hills better compete with the bigger banks that control much of the region’s deposits, and perhaps give them a leg up on other giants, including JPMorgan Chase, moving into the Boston market.

First Merchants in Indiana would pass $10 billion in assets by acquiring MBT Financial in Michigan.