Mike Dargan, former chief operations and technology officer for UBS, stepped down at the end of 2025 and will become the CEO of neobank N26 this spring.

Bank First in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, has completed its acquisition of Centre 1 Bancorp in Beloit; Citi plans to shed its remaining Russian operations; Heritage Financial in Olympia, Washington, has received regulatory approvals to acquire Olympic Bancorp; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

As artificial intelligence is integrated into more and more core banking operations, bank boards of directors need to make sure business continuity plans account for the possibility of AI system failures.

Community banks are always looking for ways to expand local engagement. But for some banks, sponsoring disc golf courses, clubs and events offers a relatively inexpensive way to boost their profile among a very loyal customer base.

Conditional approval of a national bank charter used to be a virtual guarantee that an institution would open its doors. But the OCC's recent treatment of Erebor Bank suggests that banks with conditional approvals still have work to do.

Credit unions hit new highs in membership, deposits and loans in 2025. But it was also a chaotic year for the industry's governing body, and the sector faced renewed attacks by banks.

There is a narrow window of opportunity for banks to position tokenized deposits as an alternative to stablecoins for customers seeking the convenience of cheap, blockchain-enabled payments.

It's not just Capital One Cafés; banks all over the country are repurposing branches and offices. Marketing experts call it innovative, but critics say some lenders are crossing a legal boundary between banking and commerce.

National ad campaigns are impressive. But few things create more goodwill or lasting impact than visible, hands-on support of a community's youth, no matter the size of the bank.

As commissioner of Virginia's Bureau of Financial Institutions since 1997, Joe Face emphasized strengthening the dual banking system.

The former chief national bank examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency sees welcome changes in the structure of federal banking supervision, but warns against the dangers of complacency.

Fifty-four individuals tied to the Tren de Aragua gang face charges for using Ploutus malware to drain millions from community banks and credit unions.

Fintechs are wrong to demand wholesale consolidation of community banks in the U.S. Real innovation doesn't stem from wiping out smaller institutions or forcing consolidation. Innovation comes from fair competition, secure data protocols, and clear rules that apply equally to banks and fintechs of all sizes.

Once its second deal in less than three years closes midway through 2026, the Alexandria-based company will operate more than 100 branches and hold $11 billion in assets.

The merger with Heritage Financial joins two commercially focused banks, creating a $21.7 billion-asset institution with a presence in all of the Golden State's major markets.

Banesco USA in Miami is among the banks that are eyeing the government-guaranteed lending program as a source of growth.

Daryl Byrd, who led Iberiabank until it was acquired by First Horizon, has assembled an investor group to acquire MC Bancshares and its subsidiary, MC Bank & Trust Co. in Morgan City, Louisiana. Byrd will become CEO.

Federal regulators' plan to dial back supervision of community banks is coming at a dangerous time. Rising climate risk creates unique vulnerabilities for small banks that regulators should be tracking.

The New York megabank, which completed the sale of a 25% equity stake in its Mexico retail business, has been exiting certain international markets as part of CEO Jane Fraser's focus on being a simpler, smaller bank.

Two former chairmen of the Independent Community Bankers of America take issue with the trade group's decision to support legislation that would dramatically increase federal deposit insurance levels.