New York

Alternatives Federal Credit Union is making loans to pay for gender-reassignment surgery, but the initiative has bothered some members.

Christopher Maher is kicking the tires on an "acquisition of size" that would propel the New Jersey bank across the $10 billion-asset mark.

David Gosstola claims that he was wrongfully terminated for complaining about conflicts of interest in the CEO's business dealings.

Acquiring the Nebraska bank would give CIT Group access to billions of low-cost deposits to fuel a go-it-alone growth plan. CEO Ellen Alemany says it could also make her company "more valuable" to potential buyers if it ever wants to sell.

The New Jersey company was reportedly shopping itself around last fall. Fresh off an agreement to buy Gold Coast Bancorp in New York, CEO Kevin Cummings says he is ready to explore other acquisitions.

The New Jersey company will pay $284 million for Two River Bancorp and Country Bank Holding.

Credit unions not actively thinking about mergers are at risk of missing out, an industry expert warned at a recent conference.

Under the regulation, banks and financial services providers must secure their own systems as well as implement third-party risk management programs, which can mitigate insider threats from third parties, says Michael Magrath, director of global regulations and standards for OneSpan.

Bankers are downplaying such concerns, but others say a sharp decline in values on rent-regulated buildings means landlords will have less cash flow to acquire new properties.

State and federal authorities say the network of firms in upstate New York sought debts that consumers weren't obligated to pay and impersonated government officials, among other things.