The place to debate whether payday lending or any other business should be allowed to operate and have access to the banking system is in the halls of Congress and state legislatures, not in the backrooms of government bureaucracies, Bill Isaac writes.

Some banks have built their entire strategy around being ecofriendly while others dabble in this area. Regardless, being environmentally conscious can help bring in new business.

Aided by strong loan growth and improved asset quality, Hanmi Financial (HAFC) in Los Angeles said Tuesday that its first-quarter profits increased 10% from the same time last year, to $11 million.

Republic First Bancorp (FRBK) in Philadelphia has raised $45 million through a private placement.

First Commonwealth Financial (FCF) in Indiana, Pa., reported higher quarterly profit because of reduced loan-loss provisions and lower operating costs.

Union First Market Bankshares (UBSH) in Richmond, Va., reported in a dip in quarterly profit because of costs tied to its purchase of StellarOne in Charlottesville, Va.

Strong revenue and loan growth powered TCF Financial (TCB) to a $39.9 million profit in the first quarter, a 57% increase from the same period in 2013.

A new Gallup poll finds that 62% of Americans prefer saving their money compared to 34% who enjoy spending, a percentage gap that is one of the widest since the poll began in 2001.

Idaho, South Dakota and Wisconsin have the nation’s highest interest rates for payday loans, according to a report released by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Synovus Financial (SNV) tripled profits thanks partly to broad loan growth and recent branch sales. The Columbus, Ga., company reported earnings of $45.9 million in the first quarter, up from $14.8 million.

Citigroup Inc. (C) is seeking bidders for about 50 branches holding $3 billion in California as the third-largest U.S. lender pares brick-and-mortar outlets, said three people involved in the process.

UMB Financial (UMBF) in Kansas City, Mo., reported lower quarterly results that largely reflected merger-related expenses.

Buoyed by strong loan and deposit growth, Signature Bank (SBNY) in New York said Tuesday that its first-quarter profits climbed 30% from the same period last year, to $66 million.

Community banks need a steady flow of prospects. A partnership with a successful retail concept virtually guarantees constant customer traffic.

Bank of New York Mellon Corp., the world's largest custody bank, reported a first-quarter profit after a loss a year ago as rising stock markets lifted assets and fees for overseeing them.

Regions Financial (RF) in Birmingham, Ala., reported lower first-quarter results as improved credit and lower expenses failed to completely offset a steep decline in mortgage revenue.

BancorpSouth (BXS) in Tupelo, Miss., reported higher quarterly profit fueled by acquisitions and improved operating performance.

Heritage Financial (HBOS) in Albany, Ga., has agreed to buy Alarion Financial Services in Ocala, Fla.

NewBridge Bancorp (NBBC) in Greensboro, N.C., is planning to retool its retail banking operations in a move that will eliminate 5% of its work force.

Community Bank Shares of Indiana (CBIN) in New Albany has agreed to buy First Financial Service (FFKY) in Elizabethtown, Ky.