When people think about big banks what is the first thing that comes to mind? It might be they have the best product selection, robust online banking services, convenient ATM/branch locations, the most competitive interest rates or any number of other appealing product and service items.

Porter Bancorp has asked shareholders to approve a proposal that would drastically increase the number of common shares it could issue to help the company meet minimum capital ratios.

First Mariner Bancorp says it recently purchased a 24.9% stake in another Maryland bank to collect collateral on a debt – not to take it over.

Joseph Smith, who is responsible for monitoring compliance with the $25 billion multi-state mortgage settlement talks potential fines, consumer complaints about servicers and how he plans to move forward on hiring help for the massive undertaking.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau outlined its regulatory plans for the next several months, which include at least eight rules including a call for expanded disclosures for payments and fees and new policies in how banks must handle customer accounts.

PremierWest Bancorp (PRWT) of Medford, Ore., will lay off staff in support areas and not fill vacant positions as it continues to implement cost-cutting measures.

NEW YORK – Municipal CU, this city’s biggest credit union, opened a new branch in Harlem last week.

PHILADELPHIA – American Heritage FCU is opening a branch inside the Roxborough ShopRite supermarket to replace a former Citizens Bank in-store branch.

South Valley Bancorp would more than double its sale price if it collects in full on a pool of suspect business loans before its takeover by Washington Federal is completed.

IMGCAP(1)]

IMGCAP(1)]

Ally Financial Inc. (GMA.XX) said Monday its broker-dealer subsidiary will exit from mortgage-related activities as it looks to further eliminate noncore businesses.

Look ma, no hands (or mag stripe): Sporting eyewear with a built-in camera, a cashier or flea market vendor could accept a payment card simply by looking at it.

Seoul's Hana Financial Group no longer plans to acquire a 51% ownership stake in Saehan Bancorp of Los Angeles.

JPMorgan Chase (JPM) has donated $5.5 million to the University of Colorado Denver Business School to open a center for the study of commodities.

The OCC's approval clears First Niagara to close its deal for 195 branches in New York and Connecticut by May 18, CEO John Koelmel says.

Mortgage companies added 3,000 full-time employees to their payrolls in February, according to Friday's jobs report.

Participants in the Small Business Lending Fund increased small business lending by $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter, a 37% increase from the previous quarter, the Treasury Department said Monday.

Jefferson’s deal for Carrollton Bancorp is part of the PE-backed company’s plan to expand to $1 billion of assets, which CEO Cashen says is a must in today’s world.

Small mortgage banking companies benefited from a 32% jump in loan production from the third quarter to the fourth quarter, but profitability per loan was crimped by a slight drop in pricing in the secondary mortgage market, according to a new report by the Mortgage Bankers Association.