Jim Dobbs

Lenders are bracing for possible setbacks in small business, office and hospitality lending. Consumer credit challenges may follow.

The New Canaan Bank would have been the state's first de novo in more than a decade.

Despite a slow year overall, banks announced several substantial merger and acquisitions in 2022.

The $23 million deal, announced more than a year ago, was terminated following regulatory delays.

The bank hired Thomas Geisel to take over as president and chief executive, effective immediately. He succeeds Harry Madonna, who had been interim leader after the ouster of Vernon Hill.

Robert Fehlman, who has worked with the bank since 1988, will succeed George Makris Jr. at the start of 2023.

Dicier credit conditions, recession fears and tougher regulatory scrutiny combined to weaken merger activity in 2022. A push for scale is bound to resume when interest rates level off — at least among smaller banks, analysts say.

The banks advertised the transaction as a merger of equals, but Shore shareholders would own 60% of the company.

The acquisition of Malvern Bancorp in Pennsylvania would provide added heft in suburban Philadelphia markets. It is easily First Bank's largest-ever M&A deal.

The institution's Impressia Bank will be dedicated to the professional and financial advancement of women business owners and entrepreneurs.