Paul Davis

Equity Bank agreed to buy most of the assets, and assume all the deposits, of Almena State Bank.

The bank said the move will give it more flexibility for raising capital.

The Connecticut company, which began reviewing its operations in January, said the effort gained momentum when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

The company will close nine branches over the next three months.

Highlands Banking would be based in a community near the state's borders with Georgia and South Carolina.

The Oregon company unveiled a sweeping cost-cutting plan that includes more remote work opportunities and up to 50 branch closures.

The company, which shuttered six locations in September, plans to close 14 more branches by the end of this year.

The company will close branches and cut jobs, with plans to reinvest some of the savings into digital enhancements.

The veteran executive will receive a $13 million lump-sum payment if she stays with the North Carolina company for two years after the deal closes.

The company will close eight locations, noting that customers have been quick to adopt digital channels during the coronavirus pandemic.

Duncan-Williams, which serves institutional clients, will help South State expand its correspondent lending operations.

The South Carolina company has agreed to buy the parent of Security Federal Bank.

The proposed Multi-Bank shares an address with the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., office of Multi-Bank Securities.

The company, which recently completed an audit, set aside funds to cover issues tied with a lending program it discontinued last year. The move cleared the way for Sterling to file an overdue annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Georgia company will add nearly $200 million in assets as part of the acquisition.

Climate First Bank, which would be led by veteran banker Ken LaRoe, would offer loans to help individuals and organizations make environmentally sound decisions.

The company said Todd Brice will retire in March. A search firm will consider internal and external candidates.

The coronavirus outbreak has taught community bankers to think on their feet and experiment. Speakers at an industry conference this week advised their peers to stay innovative to ensure they endure in a changing world.

The company joins a growing list of community banks paring back their networks.

Virginia National and Fauquier Bankshares are planning to create a $1.6 billion-asset company focused on the middle part of the state.