Signature Bank (SBNY) in New York City has hired a private-client team from Citigroup (NYSE: C) and added two more bankers to head its existing groups.

Banks have managed to sustain profit growth in recent quarters despite weak loan demand by refinancing large numbers of home loans and reducing loan-loss reserves. But those opportunities appear to be fading, which his raising concern about what will drive profits in the near term. Here's a look at what to expect for second-quarter results.

StoneCastle Financial is planning an initial public offering to raise up to $150 million for bank investments.

Bay Banks of Virginia in Kilmarnock plans to close a branch and begin offering mobile banking.

In an effort to simplify its mortgage process and improve compliance, BOK Financial (BOKF) in Tulsa, Okla., has chosen DocuTech's mortgage loan document software.

Avidbank Holdings (AVBH) in Palo Alto, Calif., has raised $16 million selling roughly 1.6 million shares of common stock in a private offering.

Technology CU announced this morning it has introduced a new way to help members avoid ATM surcharges with the debut of FeeAlert from Cardtronics.

Valley National Bancorp in Wayne, N.J., plans to redeem $15 million in trust-preferred securities.

The Federal Reserve Board has terminated a written agreement with Farmers Bank in Ault, Colo. The May 2010 pact obligated the $232 million-asset bank's directors to strengthen oversight of management.

Fulton Financial (FULT) in Lancaster, Pa., has lured a chief marketing officer from First Niagara Financial (FNFG).

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau gave banks and nonbanks four tips on how to minimize the risk that its investigations blow up into an enforcement action.

Sens. Bob Corker and Mark Warner on Tuesday introduced their much-discussed proposal for reforming the mortgage finance market. The effort has continued to win plaudits from fellow lawmakers, regulators and the industry.

The $4.2 billion-asset, Conway, Ark., company will pay $280 million in cash and stock for the $2.9 billion-asset Liberty.

Freddie Mac is preparing to market mortgage securities that will share with investors the risk homeowners don't repay their government-backed loans, according to a person with knowledge of the plans.

Senate Banking Committee members pressed regulators Tuesday about the extent of industry efforts to gain greater flexibility in modifying or delaying repayment of troubled student loans.

BBVA Compass has begun contracting its branch network, with the bulk of the closures in Texas.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., has hired Michael Allison as co-president and Bob Granfelt as chief operating officer.

Trade finance involving U.S. and Chinese companies is growing, and MetroCorp could be free to make more loans now that it is free of a regulatory order.

Premara Bank in Charlotte, N.C., has opened a branch in downtown Washington.

Banks can get beyond the negative perceptions that have dogged the industry the past few years, but they need to lay the proper groundwork first. American Banker Magazine Editor in Chief Heather Landy and Reputation Institute's Anthony Johndrow analyze the results of our fourth annual survey of bank reputations.