Cincinnati's First Financial Bancorp amassed a lot of capital thanks to failed-bank deals but took its time deciding what to do with it. Its three recent expansion moves put it in the company of other failed-bank buyers that are shifting to open-bank M&A.

A breakdown of M&A announcements in the financial services industry for the week ended Jan. 4

Activist investor PL Capital has taken a $3.5 million stake in Old Point Financial (OPOF) in Hampton, Va.

After Decatur First Bank failed, Judy Turner could have been blacklisted from banking. But she was hired by another bank looking to enter a new market -- and she is making a solid comeback.

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) in Cincinnati is entering the Fort Wayne, Ind., market with the establishment of commercial and residential mortgage teams there.

An annual survey from the American Hospital Association reveals that U.S. community hospitals posted $45.9 billion in uncompensated care in 2012, representing 6.1 percent of total hospital expenses.

The second half of December is generally a slow period for news, with many people on vacation and businesses and government closed on holidays. Still, banks made a number of significant announcements this holiday season. In many cases the timing of disclosures may have been driven by circumstance - regulators appeared eager to wrap up settlements by yearend.

The $2 billion-asset company is moving the headquarters of its mortgage banking and wealth management businesses to the Greater Richmond area, according to a Friday press release.

CNB Financial (CCNE) in Clearfield, Pa., plans to sell up to $75 million in preferred and common stock.

Investors Bancorp (ISBC) in Short Hills, N.J., is set to complete its purchase of Gateway Community Financial in Sewell, N.J., next week.

J. Thomas May still believes community banks can thrive but executives must find new ways to engage customers, control costs and build scale.

Square 1 Bank in Durham, N.C., has bought Sand Hill Finance, a finance company based in the Silicon Valley.

Fred Joseph retired from overseeing banks and securities firms last month. In a wide-ranging interview, he reflected on his career and provided perspective on the future of the banking industry.

Delmarva Bancshares in Cambridge, Md., has raised $11 million through a private placement.

PacWest Bancorp (PACW) in Los Angeles will take a $12 million after-tax charge in the fourth quarter because of stock awards connected to its pending acquisition of CapitalSource (CSE).

The state had a dozen deals last year as foreign investors looked to expand, particularly in the Miami area.

A former bank director accused of spearheading a massive investment scheme was arrested after a year and a half on the lam.

Wells Fargo & Co will pay a net $541 million to Fannie Mae to settle claims concerning defective home loans. The settlement completes the government-run mortgage company's efforts to have banks buy back troubled loans that were made before the financial crisis.

Private equity, new regulatory costs and declining benefits from failed-bank deals are some of the big factors that will determine who buys and sells in the coming year.

George Jones, who recently retired, is proud of how the Dallas company grew while avoiding acquisitions. He believes Texas Capital can quadruple to $40 billion in assets by staying the course.