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 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could consider expanding exemptions for small lenders from its qualified mortgage rule after it goes into effect on Friday, according to Richard Cordray, the agency's director.

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.

Despite the risks, lenders have calculated that certain loans that fall outside of QM are worth making and holding on their balance sheets.

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.

SouthCrest Financial Group (SCSG) in Peachtree City, Ga., has received regulatory approval to merge its four banks into a single charter operating under the name SouthCrest Bank.

The Federal Reserve Board has terminated enforcement actions with Cornerstone Holding Co. in Fargo, N.D., and Commerce Bancshares in Catoosa, Okla.

Union First Market Bankshares (UBSH) in Richmond, Va., has taken a stake in a local payments firm.

U.S. Bancorp (USB) in Minneapolis has agreed to buy the Chicago branches of RBS Citizens Financial Group, a deal that would double its deposit share in the Windy City.

Tompkins Financial (TMP) in Ithaca, N.Y., has promoted Scott Gruber to chief executive of its subsidiary VIST Bank in Wyomissing, Pa. He succeeded Robert Davis, who retired as chief executive on Dec. 31.

Bay Bancorp (BYBK) in Lutherville, Md., has hired two executives.

Community Bank in Pasadena, Calif., has hired a chief executive.

Convergys, based in Cincinnati, agreed Monday to buy rival call center giant Stream Global Services for $820 million.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. agreed to pay $1.7 billion to resolve U.S. claims that it played a role in facilitating Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme, the government said, resolving yet another legal obstacle facing the bank.