More than 41% of banks have bought into hyperconvergence — a blend of integrated server, storage and networking technology that's easily managed by software — and there's no sign of its popularity letting up. PeoplesBank, a community bank in Massachusetts, is one of those that caught the bug.

The pending purchase of Carlile Bancshares will lower Independent's concentration in commercial real estate, while introducing the company to fast-growing markets in Texas and Colorado.

Shortage of appraisers in rural areas and compensation issue force lawyers to re-consider restrictions on communications between lenders and appraisers.

With access to financial transaction data under threat by hurdles imposed by certain financial institutions, it should be up to consumers to decide how their data is used to improve their financial well-being.

Sun Bancorp in Mount Laurel, N.J., the $2.1 billion-asset parent of Sun National Bank, said independent director Anthony Coscia will serve as chairman of both starting Dec. 31.

Johnson, 54, will succeed her father, Edward "Ned" Johnson, as chairman of the family-run firm in early December.

ACNB Corp. in Gettysburg, Pa., is planning to enter Maryland with its agreement to buy New Windsor Bancorp in Taneytown, Md.

Ally Financial in Detroit has agreed to pay $52 million to settle probes and claims related to its role as the underwriter for subprime residential mortgage-backed securities in 2006 and 2007.

Independent Bank Group in McKinney, Texas, has agreed to buy Carlile Bancshares in Fort Worth, Texas.

Bridge Bancorp in Bridgehampton, N.Y., is looking to raise $50 million by selling common stock.

Barclays is responding to consumer expectations of a smooth mobile experience in all venues by adding technology at ATMs.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed a lawsuit Monday against a Maryland company that allegedly targeted victims of lead paint poisoning and got them to sign away future settlement payments for immediate cash at a deep discount.

First Tennessee Bank in Memphis is giving veteran regional leader Pam Fansler an unusual retirement present: a chairmanship.

The philosophy boils down to “Think broadly, act locally.”

Distinct business plans in promising areas such as smart use of consumer data, cybersecurity and content creation, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch commercial banking executive Scott Olmsted. And that is just the beginning of his list.

Courage. Sexism. Culture. Banking's leaders discuss some of the powerful influences on their daily decisions and their vision for moving the industry forward.

A number of states still have a disproportionately high percentage of unbanked and underbanked citizens. Bankers in those states hope that financial education, along with efforts to promote checking accounts and small-dollar loans, will get more people into the banking system.

A bill looming in Congress would require the Internal Revenue Service to accept electronic transmission of lending-related forms, which could speed up the lending process by days.

Pinnacle Financial in Nashville, Tenn., has sold $120 million in subordinated notes and will use the proceeds to retire existing debt and bolster its capital levels.

The Federal Communications Commission has denied a request to exempt servicers from getting consent before robo-calling borrowers' mobile phones, rejecting arguments that the waiver would enable the mortgage industry to better help delinquent borrowers.