First Niagara Financial (FNFG) in Buffalo, N.Y., didn't have to look far to find its next president and chief executive, even though the search process lasted nine months.

Peter Orszag, a former White House economic aide and current Citigroup vice chairman, said Wednesday he "wouldn't buy Bitcoin right now," but he still mounted a moderate economic defense of the digital currency.

The banking world was full of missteps and miscalculations in 2013. These folks - well, except for those who will remain behind bars - are hoping for sunnier skies in 2014.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has fallen behind in its examinations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac because it simply does not have enough examiners to properly monitor the government-sponsored enterprises, according to new report from the agency's watchdog.

The government-backed student loan market may be nearing a crisis, but private student loans continue to be a very good bet for lenders, according to a study released Thursday.

Flagstar Bancorp (FBC) has agreed to sell the majority of its mortgage-servicing rights but will retain the subservicing rights, the Troy, Mich., company said Wednesday.

Investors Bancorp (ISBC), in Short Hills, N.J., filed registration papers to dissolve its mutual holding company and convert to a fully stock-owned company.

Credit Suisse Group AG (CSGN) was sued by New Jersey over claims the bank misrepresented the risk to investors in more than $10 billion in residential mortgage-backed securities.

A consumer advisory issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Wednesday is stoking fears that the agency may be inadvertently encouraging borrowers to challenge their lenders in court after new mortgage rules go into effect next month.

MidCoast Community Bank's founder and former chief executive pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of bank fraud and money laundering.

BNC Bancorp's deals to spend $48 million on two lenders with sizable levels of nonperforming assets show that strugglers can command stronger prices in markets where aggressive banks are under pressure to buy.

Low interest rates drove lending income and margins downward at community banks early in the year, but they benefited from the midyear spike in long-term rates more than they let on.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's annual report on college credit card agreements showed a decline of 23 percent in college agreements from 2011 to 2012.

The spread of Bitcoins is now prompting regulators in Scandinavia to draft new rules in an effort to prevent virtual money from slipping into a legal gray zone.

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) in Cincinnati has agreed buy First Bexley Bank, in a deal that would bring First Financial into the Columbus market.

Timberland Bancorp (TSBK) in Hoquiam, Wash., will buy back its remaining Troubled Asset Relief Program shares for about $12.1 million.

Bank of Marin Bancorp (BMRC) in Novato, Calif., has named a new chairman.

BNC Bancorp (BNCN) in High Point, N.C., announced two deals Wednesday that would significantly boost its presence in its home state.

What we have seen from the bank regulatory agencies is an unsustainable proliferation of rules. Big banks are taking on water to keep up, while community banks are being swamped.

The Winston-Salem, N.C., company said Wednesday that it agreed to buy 21 Citibank branches in Texas, along with $1.2 billion in deposits and $134 in loans.