Connecticut

WATERFORD, Conn. — Charter Oak FCU is awarding more than $393,000 in cash bonuses to members as part of its Gold Rewards program, hitting a new record for the CU's member-appreciation efforts and bringing total returns to more than $1.6 million.

Commonfund, an investment management firm in Wilton, Conn., has hired Catherine Keating as its chief executive.

The American Bankers Association has added 12 banks to community banks indexed and listed with the Nasdaq stock exchange.

The growing influence of two directors known for seeking big changes at other banks has raised questions about whether Naugatuck Valley Financial in Connecticut may be put up for sale.

Webster Financial in Waterbury, Conn., has received regulatory approval to acquire the health savings account business of JPMorgan Chase.

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. — Though almost three-quarters of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, those numbers are changing for members of Connex Credit Union thanks to its "Most Valuable Advocate" program.

It has been three months since Bankwell Financial's CEO left abruptly. Some observers say it might make sense for Bankwell — and others in a similar spot — to consider selling while no change-of-control payout is involved.

The Rhode Island company had barely opened the doors of its Fairfield County mortgage office when management started getting pushed about making a bigger splash. For now, CEO Joseph MarcAurele seems content to keep one toe in the water.

The $2.4 billion-asset company's earnings tripled from a year earlier, to $2.5 million in the third quarter. Earnings were up 14.4% from the second quarter.

United Financial Bancorp in Glastonbury, Conn., saw its profits surge in the first full quarter after merging with Rockville Financial.

People's United Financial in Bridgeport, Conn., said solid growth in commercial and mortgage loans drove third-quarter net income up 5% to $61.6 million, or 21 cents per share.

Webster Financial in Waterbury, Conn., reported an increase in quarterly profit on the strength of its loan growth.

Patriot National Bancorp in Stamford, Conn., will recognize a one-time gain of $16.6 million in third quarter profits, due to the partial reversal of its valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

Fortress Risk Management, a Connecticut-based financial security software firm, announced a five-year deal this morning to provide Canandaigua National Bank and Trust with its DisputeManager software and other services to react to financial crimes.

PNC Financial Services in Pittsburgh has agreed to buy Solebury Capital Group.

First Connecticut Bancorp in Farmington is expanding into Massachusetts.

People's United Financial in Bridgeport, Conn., has successfully recruited a former executive at JPMorgan Chase to join its board.

The $5.2 billion-asset company intends to use the proceeds from its sale of subordinated notes for general purposes, it said in a press release Wednesday.

The Connecticut company was an early adopter of branch modernization, starting an effort four years ago that has led to the closure of underperforming locations, enhanced digital offerings and use of universal bankers.

Peyton Patterson has resigned from Bankwell Financial in New Canaan, Conn., less than two months after she was ordered to pay $350,000 in Amex bills and had to resolve other personal financial matters. She had led the company since 2012.