California

First Republic Bank (FRC) in San Francisco reported a 9% rise in quarterly profit on increased lending and continuing improvement in its wealth management income.

The Treasury Department expects to receive roughly $66 million from a recent auction of stakes it owns in seven banks from the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

A wave of management changes at Korean-American banks highlights the difficulties of filling key posts in a niche banking industry.

The Treasury Department plans to auction stakes in eight more banks as it continues winding down the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Bay Commercial Bank (BCML) in Walnut Creek, Calif., has appointed a state regulator as its new chief risk officer and senior vice president.

Hanmi Financial (HAFC) in Los Angeles has hired a handful of banking executives from rival Korean-American lender BBCN Bank (BBCN).

FirstBank in Lakewood, Colo., has announced plans to acquire a branch in Palm Desert, Calif., from El Paseo Bank.

The $18 billion-asset company said late Tuesday it has acquired certain assets and liabilities from Surety Financial Services in Sherman Oaks, Calif. The companies did not disclose the terms or specify the assets that were transferred.

Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) in Los Angeles has finished buying back the shares it issued to the Treasury Department under the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

The chairman of City National Corp. in Los Angeles is passing the role to his son.

One PacificCoast Bancorp (OPCB) in Oakland, Calif., has received regulatory approval to acquire a controlling stake in Albina Community Bancorp (ACBC) in Portland, Ore.

Sterling Financial in Spokane, Wash., has gone ahead with rebranding its California operations as Argent Bank despite its recent merger announcement.

Self-Help Federal Credit Union, the California community development credit union that bought Second Federal Savings & Loan last year, has officially reopened the failed thrift in conjunction with Chicago's Resurrection Project.

East West of Los Angeles hopes that buying MetroCorp in Houston will help its Chinese clients develop business ties in the Lone Star State.

East West Bancorp (EWBC) in Pasadena, Calif., has agreed to pay $273 million in stock and cash for MetroCorp Bancshares (MCBI) in Houston.

The Central Bank's surprise decision to continue buying mortgage bonds may not spark another refinancing boom, but it could spur more home purchases.

Simplicity Bancorp's experience with mortgage servicing could give banks a reason to reconsider plans to ditch the business despite concerns about new regulations.

The American Bankers Association has formed a group to lobby on behalf of rural lenders.

Community Valley Bank in El Centro, Calif., has hired a new chief executive.

NCAL Bancorp in Los Angeles has agreed to a recapitalization that would give it new ownership.