The story of Flagstar Bancorp Inc. just keeps getting curiouser.

Nara Bancorp Inc. in Los Angeles said Friday that it swung to a $9.9 million loss in the fourth quarter as it aggressively recognized loan losses.

LAKELAND, Fla.-The construction of the state's first "net zero energy building" is more than just an environmental accomplishment - it's also the rallying point for a total re-branding effort on the part of one credit union.

CLEARWATER, Fla.-The desire to expand branch networks in the shadow of a recession may only accelerate the trend toward modular construction of CU branches.

RACINE, Wis.-When constructing a new branch in markets where winter is a factor, credit unions can save more than 10% on the project by opting for a prefabricated building shell.

RALEIGH, N.C.-Coastal FCU is rolling out its new Express Teller system at two of its branches in the Triangle region. The St. Albans Drive and Wakefield Commons locations will be able to use the new interface that gives tellers the ability to provide traditional services to multiple branches.

ST. LOUIS-Credit unions looking to take advantage of the relative weakness of the big banks by expanding their geographical footprint need to take a deep breath before making commitments, according to several experts.

SAFCU Opens Branch In Schertz

AUSTIN, Texas-A+ FCU is planning to site a new branch location that will serve Kyle and North Hays County. The new branch will be located in Kyle's Plum Creek Uptown District, which is part of a 2,200-acre mixed-use, master-planned community located 20 minutes south of Downtown Austin. Plans call for the 3,800 square-foot branch to open during or after 2010. In addition to its prime location in the Plum Creek development, the site is also near the Hays Consolidated Independent School District offices, Performing Arts Center and schools. The Plum Creek development is designed to integrate retail, mixed-use and office space into a walkable, pedestrian-friendly town center, which was part of the attraction for A+ FCU, the credit union said.

ST. LOUIS-Credit unions should avoid closing branches and find other ways to rein in their costs because they could end up paying for the negative message branch closures send members, say several industry experts.

CINCINATTI-Credit unions in multiple sections across the country are cutting expenses by shutting down branches and reducing positions, but these cuts may end up costing the credit union even more than they are worth, several experts warned.

RALEIGH, N.C.-Coastal FCU is on both ends of the budget spectrum for its branches as it plans to close down four underperforming branches in Q1 while installing new teller systems in its other branches.

Taylor Capital Group Inc. in Rosemont, Ill., reported a fifth straight quarterly loss Thursday, as bad loans mounted.

Frontier Financial Corp. of Everett, Wash., swung to a loss of $89.5 million, or $1.90 a share, in the fourth quarter, from an $18 million profit a year earlier.

The nation's financial crisis, and its downward effect on the value of private-label mortgage-backed securities, has suddenly thrust an obscure accounting issue into the spotlight.

Genworth Financial Inc., a Richmond, Va., insurer seeking to qualify for government capital by acquiring a troubled Minneapolis thrift, said Thursday that the deal is still on.

Hanmi Financial Corp. in Los Angeles said Thursday that it lost $3.8 million, or 8 cents a share, in the fourth quarter, as a result of higher credit costs.

In recent years Crescent Capital VI LLC has tried unsuccessfully to gain control of two community banks, but the private-equity firm may be closing in on its first success, with Cowlitz Bancorp.

Umpqua Holdings Corp. in Portland, Ore., said Thursday that its fourth-quarter earnings plunged 77% from a year earlier, to $2.2 million, partly because of deteriorating credit quality.

Midwest Banc Holdings Inc. in Melrose Park, Ill., is under new leadership.