The conventional wisdom is that MetLife is breaking itself up partly as a response to its designation as a systemically important company. But there is significant evidence that's wrong — here's why.

Independent mortgage lenders are expecting a wave of consolidation prompted by excessive compliance costs, a tepid housing recovery and the need for more capital to grow their businesses. Roughly 20% to 25% of independent companies could be eliminated or change hands in less than two years.

The opportunity for banks from the dramatic growth in deposits goes beyond just funding loans.

Having shored up capital following the financial crisis, many banks are flush with cash and in search of ways to put it to use. One option for banks that did sale-leasebacks in the past is to reacquire their branches.

MetLife plans to separate much of its U.S. retail business as Chief Executive Officer Steve Kandarian works to shrink the company to limit federal oversight.

Chris Bauer, who navigated Anchor BanCorp through bankruptcy and an IPO, will stay with Old National in an unspecified role. Old National, meanwhile, has added Wisconsin to the list of states where it is looking for acquisitions.

Bridgewater Bank in Bloomington, Minn., has agreed to buy First National Bank of the Lakes in Orono, Minn.

Old National Bancorp in Evansville, Ind., has agreed to buy Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin in Madison.

Raising capital has been tough for community banks ever since the financial crisis, especially the smallest ones. But a few firms have developed structured products that offer banks a chance to band together to raise needed Tier 1 capital at relatively low cost, while avoiding the regulatory ire that befell trust-preferred securities.

Old Fort Banking in Tiffin, Ohio, has sold a controlling interest to its employees. The Old Fort Employees Stock Ownership and 401(k) plan bought a 45% stake in Gillmor Financial Services, the holding company for the $471 million-asset Old Fort.

Eagle Bancorp in Bethesda, Md., has hired four bankers to a develop a business line making Federal Housing Administration-insured loans for multifamily rental properties.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., will cut about 10% of its workforce and cancel contracts for redundant systems and services.

M&A momentum is building, even among larger banks that have been sidelined for years.

Associated Banc-Corp in Green Bay, Wis., will increase its fourth-quarter allowance for loan losses by $13 million to compensate for potential late payments or defaults on loans in its energy portfolio.

Patriot National Bancorp in Stamford, Conn., said that its chief financial officer resigned this week and that it has hired a former Connecticut community bank executive to replace her.

A compilation of our favorite stories of 2015, as selected by the people who assigned and edited them.

Ohio Valley Banc Corp. in Gallipolis, Ohio, has agreed to buy Milton Bancorp in Wellston, Ohio. The $808 million-asset Ohio Valley said it will pay about $20 million in cash and stock for the parent of Milton Banking Co.

First Express of Nebraska in Gering and First Wyoming Bancorp. in Laramie have agreed to merge. The companies did not disclose the price of the deal, which is expected to close by mid-2016.

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Joseph Chillura, CEO of the $3.5 billion-asset USAmeriBank, runs a privately held company that should be an ideal candidate for industry consolidation. While trying to keep an open mind, Chillura seems intent on staying on the sidelines as other Florida banks strike deals.