Deals involving large community and midsize banks dominated M&A in 2013. The motives and market conditions involved differed dramatically, but all the dealmakers had -- and in some cases still have -- tough questions to answer from regulators, investors and activists.

A breakdown of M&A announcements in the financial services industry for the week ended Dec. 21.

Further delays in the M&T/Hudson City deal were a reminder of how hard it is to manage banks in the limbo between the announcements and closings of M&A agreements. Tougher regulatory scrutiny means longer waits and greater risk of cancellation.

Banc of California suffered from growing pains -- and a big third-quarter loss -- due to rapid expansion. CEO Steven Sugarman must prove to investors in 2014 that his efforts are leading to a stronger company.

Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) in Columbus, Ohio, plans to close nine branches after its acquisition of Camco Financial (CAFI) in Cambridge, Ohio.

Anchor Bancorp Wisconsin in Madison plans to return to the Nasdaq through an offering of common stock after it restructured debt by filing for bankruptcy.

Dealmaking involving insurance firms, real estate and some related technology businesses is expected to be busy in 2014. Commercial banks can bemoan tepid M&A in their own corner of the financial world, or learn from these other sectors.

Banks that want to expand via M&A will face a special challenge in 2014. The failed-bank market has quieted, but regulatory costs and other factors that are expected to drive open-bank M&A haven't coalesced quite yet, says bank M&A advisor Randy Dennis.

Next year could be a make or break moment for John Taylor, who was hired as CEO of a Kentucky company with one of the largest remaining Tarp balances and massive credit issues.

CMS Bancorp (CMSB) in White Plains, N.Y., plans to terminate its sale to Customers Bancorp (CUBI) in Wyomissing, Pa.

Investors Bancorp (ISBC) in Short Hills, N.J., plans to issue up to $2.5 billion of stock as part of its conversion from a mutual to a stock holding company.

Team Capital Bank in Bethlehem, Pa., has done something few startups of the last decade could boast of: it survived the financial crisis and just sold for $122 million.

Most of the bankers highlighted a year ago made headlines, took bold steps or had successful years. As expected, some bought other banks, rebranded or repositioned their companies for the future.

More and more banks are ramping up in asset-based lending, even as some fret about increased regulatory scrutiny. In a Q&A, the head of the industry's trade group discusses the latest trends, what's keeping his members up nights and what to look for in the year ahead.

Peoples Financial (PFBX) in Biloxi, Miss., sold about $27.3 million in nonperforming assets in the fourth quarter.

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) in Cincinnati has agreed to buy Insight Bank in Worthington, Ohio.

Provident Financial Services (PFS) in Jersey City, N.J., has agreed to buy Team Capital Bank in Bethlehem, Pa.

Horizon Bancorp (HBNC) in Michigan City, Ind., has named a new chief financial officer and made two other executive promotions.

This time last year American Banker predicted six types of deals that would predominate in 2013. We were right about some things (more mergers of equals), wrong about others (lots of tiny banks would sell), and partly correct in some cases. Here's our self-critique.

Competition and regulation will make things difficult next year, but a panel of banking experts believes banks that mine new markets and expand product offerings have an opportunity to succeed.