MIDWEST

A robust mergers-and-acquisitions market several years ago consolidated hundreds of the smallest banks, those with less than $200 million of assets. Then came the economic downturn, which made them the industry's most vulnerable to failure.

Though it is still addressing significant credit issues, Saehan Bancorp in Los Angeles appears to be on the upswing.

WASHINGTON — While Senate leaders said they would like to complete a vote on regulatory reform legislation this week, that goal is looking increasingly unrealistic.

Despite its cachet in Chicago and deep-pocketed supporters, ShoreBank is running out of time to find the capital it so desperately needs.

WASHINGTON — Once seen as a threat to the Federal Reserve Board's political independence, a compromise version of Sen. Bernard Sanders' amendment in the regulatory reform bill is likely to have milder implications for the central bank than previously thought.

For months now, private-equity executives and bankers have been in opposing camps in the battle for struggling banks. But Jacksonville Bancorp Inc. in Florida showed this week that it's sometimes better to recruit a rival than fight it.

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Teachers FCU is opening a new branch tomorrow in Oakdale, the $3.8 billion credit union’s 21st service facility.

TAMPA, Fla. – floridacentral CU is building a new branch in nearby Bradenton, replacing an existing facility.

Small and midsize institutions are showing increased interest in advanced automated teller machines, according to Diebold Inc. and NCR Corp.

GREENWOOD VILLA, Colo-The only thing rarer than a strong CU television commerical is a strong CU TV commercial about shared branching.

WAYNESVILLE, N.C-Champion CU stashed money all over this town to encourage residents to come to the credit union's grand opening.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.-When flooding forced the closing of a half-dozen branches last week here, several credit unions pointed to the relief offered by having shared branches available elsewhere at which members could conduct business.

ATLANTA-Credit unions are doing a better job of not keeping their shared branch locations a "best-kept secret."

WESTBROOK, Maine-A campaign led by Synergent and Weber Marketing has helped teach Maine CU members and potential members the benefits of shared branching.

The Obama administration released a proposal on Friday to provide additional capital to community banks to make small business loans.

Four small banks totaling $730 million in assets were closed late Friday on a relatively light evening for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Four small banks totaling $730 million in assets were closed late Friday on a relatively light evening for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

New England Bancshares Inc. swung to a profit of $700,000 for its fiscal fourth quarter, compared with a loss of $1 million a year earlier, as net interest income improved and credit costs fell.

The Federal Reserve announced Friday that on May 4 it placed South Financial Group Inc. of Greenville, S.C., under a written agreement that, among other things, prevents the $12 billion-asset company from paying dividends without prior approval.