Comerica, Citizens Financial and other companies are buying up securities, paying off high-cost borrowing and trying to develop specialty lending niches. But loan growth remains weak, and the likelihood of extreme volatility in deposits makes it hard to plan ahead.

Barry Orr, who formed FirstBank & Trust of Texas in the 1990s, continued to run the bank after selling it to Heartland Financial USA in 2018.

Acquisitions of wealth management, insurance, fintech and other firms are expected to pick up as banks seek new sources of fee income and look to improve digital capabilities.

Stock Yards Bancorp in Louisville says it would pay $190 million in cash and stock for Kentucky Bancshares.

The investment fund HoldCo Asset Management said the $900 million price tag of the agreement with SVB Financial Group “substantially undervalues” Boston Private Financial Holdings.

The Minnesota credit union's deal for Brainerd Savings & Loan comes about 11 months after it bought Neighborhood National Bank in Minnesota.

Year to date through Sep. 30, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

In these uncertain times, strengthening relationships with clients is the one thing front-line bankers can control.

Diane Arnold, who will succeed the retiring Gregory Shook in July, has been with the bank since 2002. She is currently the chief lending officer.

The Mississippi bank will pay $108 million for the parent of FNB Bank, which has branches in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

Brian Argrett, whose City First Bank is being sold to Los Angeles-based Broadway Financial, would take the helm of the combined company at a time of increased national interest in reinvigorating minority-owned financial institutions.

On Sep. 30, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

On Sep. 30, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

Speculation is swirling that the Boston company will go on a buying spree after raising $1.8 billion, though some investors are advising caution. This tension makes CEO Bob Rivers one of our community bankers to watch in 2021.

Triad Business Bank opened in North Carolina shortly before the launch of the Paycheck Protection Program, which brought in many clients. CEO Ramsey Hamadi, one of our community bankers to watch in 2021, will have to work hard to retain them after their loans are forgiven.

Chris Maher recently unloaded loans hurt by the coronavirus shock, convinced he was freeing the New Jersey company of baggage that could impede a large M&A deal. This assertive move makes him one of our community bankers to watch in 2021.

The company promoted two executives as part of an effort to revamp its leadership team and establish a bigger presence in the Carolinas.

Gilles Gade, one our community bankers to watch in 2021, led an effort that made Cross River Bank one of the biggest Paycheck Protection Program participants. He is ready for his team to pick up where it left off when the new stimulus package kicks in.

Coastal Community in Washington is an investor in and the first client of Synctera, a software company that aims to help community banks manage their fintech relationships, including regulatory obligations.

The company will pay $20 million in cash for a bank with two branches and $58 million of loans.