Growth strategies

The deal would be Independent's sixth since 2015 and would continue a wave of consolidation among Boston-area banks.

Clarity on credit quality has bankers ready to strike deals after a lengthy pause. A steady rise in stock prices has also given potential buyers the financial wherewithal to pursue acquisitions.

Cal Poly Federal Credit Union's recent merger into SchoolsFirst highlights the difficult choice many small institutions face: diversify your field of membership or risk going out of business.

Burns & McDonnell Credit Union holds just $27 million of assets and is seeking approval to merge into CommunityAmerica, which serves the KC metro region and is the largest credit union in Kansas and Missouri.

The Ohio company has opened just 32 of 120 new branches it plans in the region by 2022, but those offices are making a sizable contribution to growth.

The San Diego company will pay $55 million to Morgan Stanley for a business that has 200 custody relationships, $23 billion of custodial assets and $1.2 billion of deposits.

Trabian Technology, which builds digital products and mobile applications, is the latest in a series of technology-related purchases by MVB.

The company would gain 10 branches around Sacramento as part of the $135 million acquisition.

The Connecticut company will have more than 200 branches and $64 billion of deposits after completing the acquisition.

After just 45 days on the job, the Citigroup CEO is jettisoning uncompetitive overseas operations, vowing to ramp up wealth management and touting the long-term importance of the company’s Banamex unit. More moves are on the way, she says.