Cap Markets

Financial firms have mostly shrugged off the government's budget woes, but Washington's gridlock might pose a bigger risk than they think.

Look for banks to boost dividend payouts, expand into new markets, increase their tech spending and, eventually, ramp up their C&I lending. But don't expect much in the way of M&A.

The company sold common stock to employees, existing shareholders and new investors.

Organizers of Sterling Bank have filed an application with the FDIC and have set a $20 million capital target.

The company will pay $62 million in cash for a bank with four branches and $337 million in assets.

The nation's largest private student lender plans to use $30 million of its anticipated tax-cut windfall to speed up its diversification plan and strengthen its digital capabilities.

A group of big financial institutions wants to use the blockchain to make it easier and less costly to track home mortgages packaged into securities.

Endeavor Bank, which raised nearly $27 million, will become the second new bank to open in California in the past year when it debuts next week.

Liberty will add a branch in Kansas City, Mo., along with three locations in nearby communities.

Blue Lion Capital, which had a recent request for a board seat rejected, plans to nominate multiple people to run for the board at HomeStreet's next annual meeting.