Illinois

Ann Dubie stepped down from the Joliet, Ill.-based credit union in March after 20 years at the helm.

Rex Johnson, who helped found the New Jersey credit union in 1980, was 77.

Two banking bills signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker carry implications for payday lenders, auto title lenders, credit unions and nonbank mortgage lenders. Pritzker, a Democrat, said the bills will address racial-equity gaps in the state.

The Illinois company has agreed to pay $191 million for the parent of Glenview State Bank.

It is the 18th state to pass a law imposing rate caps on all consumer loans, including payday and car title loans.

The company is looking to shutter 10 of its 63 branches over coming months, reflecting a shift in customer preferences.

Infinity FCU sought out a merger partner after realizing that even at $338 million in assets it was too small to provide the technologies members wanted. It could be a harbinger of more deals among larger players.

The company also plans to shed some corporate office space by the end of this year.

NuMark and NorthStar Credit Unions plan to join forces later this year, with NuMark CEO Ann Dubie retiring once the deal has been completed.

Having been forced to cancel in-person events because of the pandemic, leagues representing CUs in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois have joined forces for a three-day event next month.

C&NW Proviso, which has no website or online services, will gain a slate of new products and additional locations from the deal.

The Illinois company will sell Bates Cos. to an undisclosed buyer less than two years after buying the wealth management firm.

Members of Maryland-based GEICO Federal Credit Union are set to vote on whether to merge into Illinois-based Baxter Credit Union.

Members of Andigo Credit Union in Schaumburg, Ill., have approved a proposed merger into Consumers Credit Union in Gurnee, Ill.

Recent proposals considered or passed by legislatures around the country grant banks certain exemptions, but they differ from state to state and may pose new compliance headaches.

The company agreed to acquire Alliance Benefit Group of Illinois, which has more than 600 clients and 40,000 plan participants.

Timothy Crane is set to succeed Ed Wehmer as president, though Wehmer will remain the Illinois company's CEO.

Organizers of First Women's Bank have also filled two key executive posts.

Even in the face of soft loan demand, banks in the region have held firm on terms. That should position them well for the next economic downturn.

Though there were several high-profile mergers of equals among bigger banks, deal activity rose only slightly, and the vast majority of transactions involved the smallest of institutions. Here's an overview of those trends and others that stood out in bank dealmaking last year.