Paul Davis

Kelly King was recently named American Banker's Banker of the Year based on his ability to complete big M&A deals and work through problems with regulators. Here are his extended thoughts on those topics as well as others, including the challenges behind making the payments system fast and safe.

CNB Financial in Clearfield, Pa., has agreed to buy Lake National Bank in Mentor, Ohio.

The $390.1 million-asset company said in a press release Tuesday that it has agreed to sell common stock to institutional investors led by Patriot Financial Partners.

Cortland Bancorp in Cortland, Ohio, is set to add a pair of former bankers to its board.

Calumet Bancorp. in Chilton, Wis., has agreed to buy Calumet Bancshares in Brillion, Wis.

Talmer Bancorp in Troy, Mich., will record a nearly $14 million charge in the fourth quarter tied to ending its loss-share agreements with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

The Bancorp in Wilmington, Del., has agreed to pay a $3 million civil money penalty to address issues tied to electronic fund transfer practices.

American Banker predicted these five community bankers would make news in 2015, and they did not disappoint. Some pursued M&A, one went public, and one even helped break up his bank.

Another institution helped push New York Community Bancorp to add cash to its bid, a filing disclosed. While Astoria's board was concerned about NYCB's plans for an aggressive balance sheet restructuring and capital raise, management believed the other suitor's offer had more execution risk.

For steering the Winston-Salem, N.C., company through an extended period of industry adversity, while providing a blueprint for large-scale M&A, King has been named American Banker's Banker of the Year for 2015.

Bay Bancorp in Columbia, Md., has agreed to buy Hopkins Bancorp in Pikesville, Md., for $23.8 million in cash.

Atlantic Capital Bancshares in Atlanta has agreed to sell seven branches in Tennessee in two separate deals.

The $350 million-asset Pacific Commerce said in a press release Thursday that it will pay $10.50 a share in cash and stock for the $211 million-asset ProAmerica.

TowneBank in Suffolk, Va., has agreed to buy Monarch Financial Holdings in Chesapeake, Va., for $220.6 million in stock.

Hanmi Financial in Los Angeles has withdrawn its proposal to merge with BBCN Bancorp. Hanmi said in a press release Thursday that its decision follows BBCN's agreement to buy Wilshire Bancorp.

First Bancorp in Southern Pines, N.C., has agreed to buy Bankingpoint, an insurance agency in Sanford, N.C.

Bank officials say they are ready for rising rates; disagree on how much the initial increase would help or hurt lending and the economy; and predict more rate increases next year.

Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa., has agreed to buy the disbursements business of Higher One Holdings in New Haven, Conn.

Associates of Glen Falls Insurance said that it bought Loomis & LaPann, an insurance unit of Arrow Financial that focuses on amateur sports, for an undisclosed price.

The Bancorp in Wilmington, Del., is looking for a new chief executive. The $4.7 billion-asset company said that Frank Mastrangelo resigned as CEO to become its technologist in residence.