Growth strategies

The East Lansing-based credit union plans to open two branches in the Traverse City area, more than three hours north of its headquarters.

The McLean, Va.-based institution said that its capital hit a record $2.5 billion last year.

Anthony DeChellis’ strategy for staying relevant in a competitive metro market is a little odd — rebuild the private banking business his predecessor shrank — but observers say he might be the executive who can pull it off.

While regulation and nonbank competition are spooking some banks and credit unions, others believe low funding costs and the right relationships can help them succeed.

There have been six of these transactions announced this year and more are likely as credit unions look for loan and deposit growth.

The community-chartered credit union will now serve nine new counties following two years of reporting 2% or less in membership growth.

All-electric, zero-emission vehicles make up less than 2% of the market, but a handful of credit unions see an opportunity despite some unusual variables.

While regulation and nonbank competition are spooking some banks, others believe low funding costs and the right relationships can help them succeed.

The company agreed to buy Charter Bank, which has four branches and $161 million in assets.

Banesco USA agreed to buy Brickell more than a year after Banco Espirito tried to sell the Miami bank to a Swiss financier.

Blue Ridge Bankshares will be based in Charlottesville, Va., after completing its $43 million purchase of Virginia Community Bancshares.

Heritage will have 17 branches around San Francisco when it completes the $200 million acquisition.

Under the Treasury Department's Financial Agent Mentor-Protégé program, JPMorgan Chase is advising two black-owned banks on working with the agency in ways that could boost their fee income.

The deals lets a North Carolina group skip the de novo process. West Town, which sold the bank, will use the funds to support a fast-growing business line.

The proposed merger will create a bank with more than $1 billion in assets.

Consolidation activity was ho-hum for most of April before a burst of transactions — and notable ones at that — were announced in the month's final week.

Pinnacle Bank chief Terry Turner never lacks specifics. He wants to expand inside a triangular zone that connects three Southern and mid-Atlantic cities, aims to enter five particular markets, and speaks bluntly about his plans for hiring alums of BB&T and SunTrust.

The Mile High City has been disrupted by a number of big bank mergers, which could increase competitive pressures on CUs across the state.

Sound Bank has new management as part of the transaction. It will also get a new name and expand into higher-growth markets.

Banco Bradesco said it will use the acquired bank to expand its investment offerings in the United States.