Connecticut

Rheo Brouillard, the head of SI Financial, finally had a solid offer in hand after more than two years of searching for a buyer. But the resignation 10 days later of the man who made him that offer — Berkshire Hills’ Michael Daly — sent Brouillard scrambling.

John Ciulla, one year in as CEO of Webster Financial, discusses how he is preparing for the next downturn, picking his spots in tech spending, and remaining cautious about M&A.

At a FASB meeting Monday on proposed changes to the accounting standard, its critics will be given a platform.

Executives at Key pushed back against doubts over a deal for Laurel Road Bank’s digital lending platform so late in the credit cycle, arguing that its customers are prime borrowers with high incomes.

The online platform, created by Laurel Road Bank in 2013, allows users to refinance student loans and originate mortgages.

The tricky part: raising awareness without appearing to take advantage of borrowers at a time when agencies like the SBA are out of commission.

After more than 60 years as Wepawaug-Flagg Federal Credit Union, the $116 million-asset institution has rebranded as Crosspoint FCU.

Bob Mahoney, CEO of Belmont Savings, called Jack Barnes after People's United agreed to buy a Connecticut bank. The banks announced their own merger agreement five months later.

The $180 million acquisition is the first for Berkshire since the sudden departure of CEO Michael Daly.

The Bridgeport, Conn., company is developing a specialty in banking technology businesses. Like so many other small regionals with ambitious growth plans, it faces a tricky balancing act: how to take creative risks without getting in over its head.

It started with financial literacy classes, but now Chelsea Groton Bank in Connecticut is offering crafts and other so-called lifestyle courses, all in an effort to connect with the public and drive traffic to its branches.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board is considering a plan to have banks break out charge-offs and recoveries on a year-by-year basis. Bankers fear new systems would be needed to comply.

The Connecticut company also reported modest loan growth and a greatly improved net interest margin.

The three credit unions from Connecticut will receive a variety of services from the credit union service organization, including bill pay.

Larger community banks are favoring bigger targets — or relying more on organic growth — to expand.

Once a hotbed of activity, the region has reported the fewest bank mergers since the financial crisis.

Vend Lease, which is based in Baltimore, focuses on suppliers and vendors in the hospitality industry.

PeoplesBancorp in Holyoke, Mass., has agreed to buy First Suffield Financial in Connecticut for $60 million.

The Connecticut company will have nearly $48 billion in assets after it buys First Connecticut Bancorp.

Technology provider will operate as a CUSO of Connecticut-based credit union.