Customers Bancorp (CUUU), led by Chairman and Chief Executive Jay Sidhu, has applied with the Federal Reserve Board to open an office at 99 Park Avenue in Manhattan.

Howard Bancorp (HBMD) in Ellicott City, Md., is buying a branch from Cecil Bancorp (CECB) in Elkton, Md.

Fewer bank deals were struck in the first quarter compared with a year earlier and the fourth quarter, despite increasing optimism about consolidation and the economy.

A unit of EverBank Financial (EVER) has sold more than $300 million in mortgage-backed securities.

First BanCorp (FBP) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is raising $201 million through three separate sales of commercial loans.

First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) in Raleigh, N.C., has named a former Royal Bank of Canada (RY) executive to be its chief financial officer.

A breakdown of M&A announcements in the financial services industry for the week ended March 30.

William B. Harrison, Jr., the former Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase and an outspoken advocate for large banks, says a big bank breakup won't happen — but admits that he's surprised by how much support there is for the idea.

Pittsburgh, Madison, Wis. and Tulsa, Okla., also ranked high in Nerdwallet's inaugural ranking of the 10 best cities for banking customers.

Columbia Banking System (COLB), Prosperity Bancshares (PB), Crescent Financial Bancshares (CRFN) and Bell State Bank & Trust completed acquisitions Monday.

A breakdown of M&A deals by bank size and by region, along with American Banker's semi-annual ranking of deal advisers.

William Harrison, Jr., the former Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase and an outspoken defender of large banks, says forced breakups are not in the cards.

The parent company of AmericanWest in Spokane, Wash., and PremierWest Bancorp (PRWT) in Medford, Ore., have nearly completed their deal after encountering lackluster support.

A director of First Cornerstone Bank is looking to buy 85% of the King of Prussia, Pa., bank.

Wisconsin's CIB Marine started losing millions of dollars long before the financial crisis thanks to overexpansion. A succession of three CEOs sold off retail operations, purged assets and used the bankruptcy process to salvage the bank.

Bank of America (BAC) co-Chief Operating Officer Thomas K. Montag received a 21% raise to $14.5 million for 2012, topping his boss Brian T. Moynihan for the third straight year.

Genworth Financial (GNW), an insurer in Richmond, Va., has agreed to part with its wealth management operations for $412.5 million.

MidSouth Bancorp (MSL) in Lafayette, La., will pay $2 million for rights it issued as part of last year's acquisition PSB Financial.

Cordia Bancorp has taken full ownership of Bank of Virginia.

Bryn Mawr Bank in Pennsylvania It has agreed to buy MidCoast Community Bancorp in Wilmington, Del.