Paul Davis

Speaking at an industry conference Thursday, two tech executives and a community banker said that community banks should be allowed to experiment with new products without worrying about running afoul of regulators.

Better incentives to lend and invest in underserved communities are also worthy of consideration, Loretta Mester says, as regulators try to blend the best of the Community Reinvestment Act with new ideas in updating its rules.

The economy could “positively slow down in mid-2019” and consumer debt levels are a huge concern, but technology and lessons learned from the crisis could still create opportunity for small banks, says Beneficial’s Gerry Cuddy ahead of a big speech on current conditions.

Citizens & Northern will pay $43 million for the $348 million-asset Monument.

AmeriNational Community Services plans to form an industrial bank in Nevada.

Perseverance and commitment are two requirements to get more minority bankers into senior leadership positions.

The Alabama-based credit union will gain three locations, along with $138 million in loans, as part of a deal with Georgia-based Synovus Financial.

Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union will gain three locations, along with $138 million in loans, as part of the transaction.

Fiserv will buy the business, once known as Elan ATM and Debit Processing, for $690 million.

Seven other banks passed on a chance to bid on FCB Financial, perhaps showing the small pool of large buyers eager to make a big commitment to the Sunshine State.

Senior managers at selling banks often get big payouts and move on. But some decide (or are allowed) to stay and can make major contributions. Here are examples of execs who famously became difference makers after sticking around, or of keepers from recent deals who could have a big impact.

A sluggish business climate and few M&A opportunities freed up midsize banks to invest in better tech systems and services, says Regions Chairman Grayson Hall.

Washington Federal in Seattle allowed Anchor Bancorp to find another buyer after BSA issues forced it to withdraw its merger application.

The company will pay $142 million for Carolina Alliance Bank three months after buying NewDominion in Charlotte, N.C.

The Los Angeles company will also gain its first branches in Nevada after completing the $467 million acquisition.

Bankers in the East Coast hurricane's path — and everyone else — can learn from those who have survived natural disasters.

Organizers of Dogwood State Bank are looking to raise $75 million in hopes of opening by mid-2019.

The Ohio regional will start offering advisory services to professional athletes after it buys Franklin Street Partners.

SWNB Bancorp was unable to secure enough votes to back its proposed sale to Hanmi Financial.

The decision to adopt the name Axos Bank seems to put more distance between the company and its internet roots.