The Dodd-Frank Act and other financial regulations enacted in the wake of the financial crisis have made banking a "worse place" by adding unwieldy and unnecessary restrictions on big banks, says Dick Bove. The longtime bank analyst also points a finger at regulators for failing to adequately enforce existing regulations in the lead-up to the crisis, a point he discusses at length, while defending big banks, in a new book.

Neighborhood National Bank in San Diego has named a former leader of Regents Bank as its president and chief executive.

Coastway Bancorp in Cranston, R.I., is planning to raise roughly $48.3 million in its conversion to a 100% stock-owned company.

Zombie companies have survived on the loose monetary policy of the past few years, designed to help at-risk businesses stay afloat and keep people employed in the wake of the financial crisis. But forthcoming changes will make it hard for these firms to repay their debt.

BancorpSouth (BXS) in Tupelo, Miss., has agreed to buy Ouachita Bancshares in Monroe, La.

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia (SONA) in McLean has agreed to buy Prince George's Federal Savings Bank in Upper Marlboro, Md.

BBVA Compass is cutting between 400 and 600 jobs in its banking and real-estate-lending divisions.

Mortgage lenders are eager to make home loans this year -- but consumers may be more hesitant to borrow.

Big banks stepped up small business lending at the end of 2013, according to the Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index released Wednesday.

As more community banks look at working with alternative lenders, they must be mindful of the regulatory and reputational risk that can occur if they make a bad referral.

Some banks in downsizing mode are subleasing branches that are too large. Advocates say subleasing can help banks avoid selling branches for cheap; others warns about the cost-benefit of retrofitting a building.

The new year will bring an end to big regulatory settlements with banks, a sharp drop-off in the number of branches across the industry, increased use of biometric technology and a breakthrough in banks' use of big data. American Banker editors discuss these and other predictions for the year ahead in banking.

First Niagara Financial Group (FNFG) in Buffalo, N.Y., is laying off employees and shutting down branches as it seeks to retool its retail operations.

TriState Capital (TSC) in Pittsburgh has agreed to buy Chartwell Investment Partners, an investment management firm in Berwyn, Pa.

Old National Bancorp (ONB) in Evansville, Ind., has agreed to buy United Bancorp (UBMI) in Ann Arbor, Mich.

A plan to inject $50 million into U.S. Century Bank has reportedly been called off, leaving the undercapitalized Doral, Fla., bank in limbo.

Peapack-Gladstone Financial (PGC) in Bedminster, N.J., has hired a president of private wealth management.

The Minneapolis bank's agreement to buy 94 RBS-owned branches in Chicago is the biggest deal that a big bank has pursued in awhile, and observers will watch the approval process closely for any signs that regulators are warming to the idea of acquisitions by large banks.

Mobile banking services hold serious sway over small business owners, according to a new study.

Pioneer Financial Services in Kansas City, Mo., has appointed Joe Freeman chief executive.