Hilary Burns

Bank organizers are picking one another's brains about hiring decisions, applications and raising capital as part of the monthslong effort to secure charters.

Bankers at Sonoma Valley Bank were convicted of bank fraud, money laundering and other offenses.

A task force created by the American Bankers Association asserts that applying for a bank charter is too time-consuming and that some de novo rules are too rigid.

At least six groups are exploring opening new banks in the state, which is enjoying an economic recovery and has a dearth of local financial institutions.

Organizers of Dogwood State Bank want to open Raleigh's first new bank since the financial crisis.

Veritex will take advantage of accounting rules in its deal for Green Bancorp, a larger bank with lingering energy exposure.

Florida created headaches for the Georgia company during the financial crisis. Increased discipline, and wholesale changes to banking, make the $3 billion purchase of FCB Financial less risky, CEO Kessel Stelling says.

Avidia Bank in Massachusetts collaborated with Exhibit 'A' Brewing to produce and sell an IPA as part of a plan to boost marketing to small businesses and millennials.

The Los Angeles company, which focuses on Korean-Americans, aims to raise $50 million.

Organizers of Gainey Business Bank, a bank planned in Scottsdale, received approval from the state's banking regulator to raise capital while completing a charter application.