Hilary Burns

It was a year to remember for women executives at SunTrust and Amex’s new CEO, and one to forget for Wells Fargo and investors in bank stocks.

The combination of CCF Holding, Heritage Bancorp. and Providence Bank will create a $1 billion-asset institution. Veteran bank investor Kenneth Lehman will be its chairman.

More banks were approved this year than any since the financial crisis. But challenges with raising capital, and a change in the political landscape, could deter prospective applicants next year.

David Rupp was CEO of Four Oaks Fincorp in North Carolina when it sold itself to United Community Banks last year.

The FDIC has approved more new banks this year than in the last four years combined. Here is a look at the class of 2018.

In a rare move, Maryland Financial is voluntarily liquidating after its customer base shrank and efforts to sell itself failed.

Blue Lion Capital said Johnny Guerry, who has sparred with other community banks, will assist in efforts to pressure the Seattle bank to improve its performance or sell itself.

The directory, which will debut next year, should help community banks find potential fintech partners.

The Wilmington, Del., company has identified the 30 branches it plans to close or sell following its acquisition of Beneficial Bancorp in Philadelphia. Most of the closures will take place in Pennsylvania.

Morris State will pay $24 million for the parent of Farmers & Merchants Bank.