Regulators have lifted an enforcement action against a unit of First Financial Northwest (FFNW) in Renton, Wash.

Provident New York says the addition of Sterling Bancorp will super-size returns. Analysts are sold on the combo but question whether the profitability projections for it are realistic.

A former chief executive of First Community Bank has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for running a mortgage-fraud scheme that cost the Hammond, La., bank millions.

Mortgage lending activity was weaker than expected in the first quarter and the result is likely to be slimmer profit margins for a number of banks, according to Paul Miller, a managing director at FBR Capital Markets.

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Thomas Brouster believes the capital could make an acquirer out of a company that he once pegged as seller.

CEO Wayne Patenaude wants to double the mutual thrift's mortgage originations over the next four years while continuing to devote resources to commercial lending.

Bond Street Holdings has offered jobs and merger-related payouts to two Atlantic Coast Financial (ACFC) executives — but not the president and chief executive — once the Florida companies complete their deal.

Central Bancshares in Muscatine, Iowa, plans to consolidate three of its bank subsidiaries under one charter.

Regions Financial is sharpening its focus on small business. The Birmingham, Ala., company said late Thursday it has named Joe DiNicolantonio to head a new division that will offer banking, loans and advice to companies with sales up to $20 million.

The JOBS Act will allow broader marketing of private placements. Take great care when selling these to your bank's financial advisory and wealth management clients. Focus on what suits them.

Federal Reserve vice chair Janet Yellen criticized the aborted independent foreclosure reviews on Thursday, condemning the expenses of consultants involved in a process that the Fed helped set up.

WASHINGTON — A Senate Banking subcommittee will examine the role of independent consultants in the financial services industry, including Promontory Financial Group, at a hearing next week.

PL Capital has taken a $7 million stake in MutualFirst Financial (MFSF) in Muncie, Ind.

Fannie Mae and the Federal Housing Finance Agency's inspector general are taking a hard look at the bills the government mortgage giant receives from servicers who maintain foreclosed properties. If controls are found to be lax, servicers will likely face a clampdown.

Provident New York scouted other potential targets in the New York City region besides Sterling, but too many of them still think they can survive as independents, CEO Jack Kopnisky says.

Golden First Mortgage and its owner, David Movtady, were sued by the U.S. government and accused of defrauding a federal mortgage insurance program.

Elmira Savings Bank (ESBK) in New York is scaling back its involvement in the Treasury Department's small-business lending fund.

Municipal Employees Credit Union in Baltimore has agreed to buy Advance Bank.

Capitol Bancorp's (CBCRQ) deal to sell a struggling New Mexico subsidiary has fallen through.