California

LOS ANGELES — Small credit unions can boost their lending with new products, better differentiation and by knowing when members are ready to buy their next vehicle.

Pacific Commerce Bank in Los Angeles has agreed to buy Vibra Bank in Chula Vista, Calif.

Banc of California in Irvine reported strong earnings growth in the third quarter thanks to a massive surge in fees from the sale of loans.

Heritage Oaks Bancorp in Paso Robles, Calif., has revamped its audit committee after discovering it broke Nasdaq rules.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. and SAN FRANCISCO — With the San Francisco Giants winning the World Series in seven games, Steven Stapp can fire up his grill for a victory barbecue.

BBCN Bancorp in Los Angeles has added three directors, including a consultant well-versed in anti-money laundering regulation.

In a surprise victory for mortgage servicer PHH Corp., a California judge overturned a $16.2 million jury verdict awarded to a California homeowner in July for a botched loan modification.

Hanmi Bank in Los Angeles has hired executives to expand its customer base in Texas and Illinois.

Wells Fargo plans to rebrand Burdale Financial, the asset-based lender it purchased nearly three years ago from the Bank of Ireland.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., missed third-quarter earnings estimates, largely due to a steep increase in its loan loss provision.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. and SAN FRANCISCO — As the World Series plays on, CEOs at credit unions in the home cities of the Royals and Giants have a friendly wager on the outcome.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — While cutting-edge banking transactions make life easier for members, the rub for IT departments is trying to marry multiple innovative solutions onto one platform.

Sierra Bancorp in Porterville, Calif., has tapped an insider to succeed its retiring chief executive.

City National in Los Angeles reported higher third-quarter earnings, due to a sharp rise in trust and brokerage revenue.

CVB Financial in Ontario, Calif., reported a slight uptick in third-quarter earnings after loans and expenses increased from its acquisition of American Security Bank.

San Diego Private Bank has agreed to buy all the loans and deposits of First Security Business Bank in Orange, Calif.

PacWest Bancorp in Los Angeles reported higher quarterly earnings, driven by asset gains from a recent acquisition.

Presidio Bank in San Francisco has raised $9.5 million through a private placement.

Pacific Premier Bancorp in Irvine, Calif., has agreed to buy Independence Bank in Newport Beach, Calif.

LOS ANGELES — Credit unions may have found a powerful new ally in their long-running battle to increase their recognition by the general public.