KeyCorp, Ohio's second-largest bank, has agreed to buy First Niagara Financial Group Inc. in a $4.1 billion cash-and-stock deal that extends the company's reach in upstate New York.

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Sandy Spring Bancorp in Olney, Md., has appointed executives from the technology and legal industries to newly created seats on its board.

Great Western Bancorp in Sioux Falls, S.D., reported higher quarterly profit on loan growth and improved efficiency.

October saw the three main card networks invest in bitcoin-related companies, which comes on the heels of major banks exploring the use of bitcoin and blockchain technology to solve some industry pain points.

The auto lender has changed the way it calculates its closely-watched provision for credit losses, a move that added to third-quarter profits and raised questions about the transparency of its loan book.

Webster Financial in Waterbury, Conn., has promoted its head of commercial banking to president of Webster Bank and its holding company.

United Bankshares in Charleston, W.Va., recorded profit growth in the third quarter on higher average earning assets.

California’s Richmond Community Foundation will pursue a new social impact bond vehicle with a $3 million revenue bond private placement it hopes to close next month with the local Mechanics Bank.

Bank of America in Charlotte, N.C., is selling 23 branches in West Coast states. The bank also plans to sell a total of $1.2 billion in deposits and $821,000 in loans to TriCo Bancshares in Chico, Calif.; Bank of Commerce Holdings in Redding, Calif.; and Cascade Bancorp in Bend, Ore.

Ally Financial in Detroit drew more deposits into its online bank last quarter, which helped improve its lending margin even as profits declined.

The RushCard debacle should lead to consumer improvements, but it should not undercut the progress prepaid has made in helping consumers manage their finances.

Spencer Savings Bank and Southbridge Savings Bank in Massachusetts have agreed to merge in a combination of mutual thrifts in the Worcester, Mass., area.

MB Financial in Chicago has agreed to buy an asset management firm.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., has promoted Jennifer Simmons to chief operating officer and appointed her to the executive committee.

BOK Financial in Tulsa, Oklahoma, reported a small drop in third-quarter profit, as a decline in the value of mortgage servicing rights offset loan and fee income growth.

Santander Consumer USA Holdings plans to exit personal lending and focus primarily on its auto-finance business.

Security National Automotive Acceptance Co. will pay $3.28 million in refunds and fines to settle CFPB charges that it used illegal debt collection tactics against military service members.

Women who own small businesses are happier with their banking experiences than their male counterparts are, according to a study by J.D. Power released Thursday.

The zero or low default rates reported by banks may on the face be a good sign but could suggest mounting future credit risk, based on a review of data published by the FDIC.