California

The combination of the two Orange County-based credit unions will create a $1.4 billion-asset institution.

The service will require more coordination between the bank and its parent company, BNP Paribas.

After success in residential solar, the San Jose, Calif.-based credit union is financing solar systems for businesses.

The Michigan company, which lost more than $1.4 billion in the aftermath of the financial crisis, is trying to become more of a commercial lender. Its recent agreement to buy a deposit-rich franchise in California could help it get there.

California-based CU grew loans by 15.2 percent, assets, memberships rise.

Real estate CUSO now works with 23 CUs in the Golden State, more than 100 overall.

Clearinghouse CDFI will use funds from the $2 million investment to support affordable-housing and economic development projects in communities and Native American reservations in California, Nevada and Arizona.

Ventura, Calif.-based CU adding online, mobile banking.

The company hired Kevin Thompson, a CFO with big-bank experience, to take over its top financial post. Once a fast-growing bank, Opus has spent recent months cutting costs and exiting certain business lines.

The election of Democrat Phil Murphy as New Jersey's next governor is being hailed as a victory for advocates of state-owned banks. But challenges remain — namely, stubborn opposition from mainstream banks.