Northwest Bank starts search for new CFO; Plains State Bank acquires wealth management, tax businesses; Bank of America names new heads for North America industrials banking; and more in the weekly banking news roundup.

The nation's largest bank, which acquired the remains of San Francisco-based First Republic following its failure this spring, has completed its plans to close 21 offices this year. But the consolidation effort is likely to continue.

Federal prosecutors say Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat who sits on the Senate Banking Committee, accepted bribes in return for exerting political influence — including helping Fred Daibes, a small-bank executive who had been accused of loan fraud.

Federal Reserve Gov. Michelle Bowman, who has emerged as a leading opponent to the central bank's recent efforts to raise capital requirements, said it was "absolutely imperative" that banks make their concerns heard.

The top five banks have an average reputation score among noncustomers of 70.7 in 2023.

The parent companies of Cape Cod 5 and Fidelity Bank have agreed to combine under a multibank holding company called Mutual Bancorp. The bank units would keep their current names and operate independently but pool resources to improve efficiency.

The top five banks have an average reputation score among customers of 84.1 in 2023.

Eighteen banks announced agreements to sell themselves last month. It was the most active month for bank deals since July 2022.

The banking industry, which has a long history of sponsoring sporting events, is pouring more money into the live-music industry, according to a new report. Music-related events and properties make up 39% of the sector's sponsorship portfolio, up from 25% two years ago.

Boston-based Eastern Bankshares says its premium on the sale of Eastern Insurance Group will help fund the acquisition of Cambridge Trust and build a wealth management powerhouse. But some analysts point out more revenue is being sacrificed than gained.