Georgia

A judge has ruled that the involuntary bankruptcy of FMB Bancshares in Lakeland, Ga., may proceed, a decision that could embolden more trust-preferred creditors to pursue a similar strategy.

Jimmy Tallent is leading an impressive comeback at United Community Banks in Georgia. But what's even more impressive is that he got the chance.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Twitter Inc. has dialed back a rule implemented late last year that restricted how financial institutions could promote themselves on the site, but some credit unions are still unsure as to what those changes mean in terms of how effective the social-networking site can ultimately be for CUs.

Heritage Bank in Jonesboro, Ga., became one of the first banks to retire trust-preferred securities held by the FDIC after a complex, year-long negotiation. The transaction could be a model for dozens of other lenders trying to avoid default and possible bankruptcy.

Modest loan growth, lower expenses and a sharp decrease in problem loans powered United Community Banks in Blairsville, Ga., to a $16.4 million profit in the second quarter.

The Georgia company is also planning a marketing campaign to promote its brand and expanded technology offerings.

Synovus Financial in Columbus, Ga., reported a rise in quarterly earnings after booking more loans and lowering credit costs.

Regulators on Friday closed Eastside Commercial Bank in Conyers, Ga., the 13th institution to fail this year.

Federal and state authorities on Monday sought to rein in three companies accused of exploiting consumers struggling to pay off their debts.

The case against a Georgia man and two companies he controls involves allegations of collecting debts that consumers did not owe.

HomeStreet (HMST) in Seattle has sold servicing rights to about $3 billion in single-family mortgages to SunTrust Banks (STI) in Atlanta.

United Community Banks (UCBI) in Blairsville, Ga., has acquired Business Carolina, a commercial lender in Columbia, S.C.

State Bank Financial is in no rush to extract costs from Georgia-Carolina Bancshares, preferring instead to take its time in an effort to retain the best employees and clients.

Philip W. Tomlinson, CEO of Total Systems Services (TSYS), will retire on July 31. He will be succeeded by M. Troy Woods, the company's president and COO.

State Bank Financial (STBZ) in Atlanta has agreed to buy Georgia-Carolina Bancshares (GECR) in Augusta, Ga. The $2.6 billion-asset State Bank will pay about $82 million, or $22.35 a share, in cash and stock.

The $7.4 billion-asset company announced this week that it is planning a branch in Greenville, S.C.

ATLANTA — Credit unions considering sending employees to a health insurance exchange and reimbursing them with tax-free contributions are likely rethinking those plans.

A former Georgia community banker who was accused of fraud and faked suicide has pleaded guilty to three felony charges for his role in allegedly defrauding a bank and private investors.

Fidelity Southern (LION) in Atlanta said Thursday that it is buying five branches and roughly $200 million of deposits from CenterState Bank of Florida (CSFL).

The National Credit Union Administration has approved the sale of Flint River National Bank in Camilla, Ga., to Five Star Credit Union in Dothan, Ala.