As bank bosses sent out their annual shareholder letters in recent weeks, two themes dominated: The challenges of operating in an increasingly regulated, low interest rate world; and the desire to assure investors that they're putting safety first. Following are some notable quotes from around the industry.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Empower FCU said it is saving $2,745 per month – or almost $33,000 per year – after exterior LED lighting upgrades at seven of its branches.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – SESLOC FCU is planning to build a new, 9.5-acre office campus here, with hopes to open in the summer of 2014.

Shares of Bank of America (BAC) and Wells Fargo (WFC) have been on a roll in recent days and the New York attorney general's pledge Monday to sue the banking giants did nothing to slow their momentum.

A growing number of community banks are working with Farmer Mac to offer loans at lower rates, helping them compete with Farm Credit institutions.

The case for a national housing finance commission.

A bank cited by regulators for lending policies allegedly favoring minorities and women over white males is proof for some of just how frustrating it is for institutions to comply with fair lending laws.

A new paper commissioned by the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, highlights risks community banks face from the Dodd-Frank Act.

Independent Bank Group in McKinney, Texas, was already a busy buyer. Now with nearly $90 million of fresh equity and a valuable stock, the bank is looking to more than double its size over the next five years.

Regulators are trying to shut down Mission Settlement Agency in New York and Premier Consultant Group in New Jersey, alleging they charged millions of dollars in unnecessary fees.

Residential Capital, the bankrupt mortgage company, won more time to file an exclusive plan to reorganize while it attempts to settle a dispute between creditors and parent Ally Financial.

The Federal Reserve Board has terminated an enforcement action against Greer Bancshares in Greer, S.C.

Big banks have been among the most vocal supporters of gay rights in the workplace. Many LGBT bankers laud the progress but say diversity efforts still sometimes fall short.

JPMorgan Chase (JPM) is facing a growing chorus of calls to oust some of its board and strip Jamie Dimon of his chairmanship.

Banks hope that banking regulators will allow them to avoid taking an accounting hit when they offer forbearance to recent college graduates, many of whom are either out of work or underemployed.

Authorities in Charlotte, N.C., are taking special security measures ahead of Bank of America's annual meeting Wednesday. Protests are already beginning on social media and in the streets today.

NexTier Bank in Butler has agreed to acquire Farmers & Merchants Bank of Western Pennsylvania in Kittanning.

Citizens Community Bank in South Hill, Va., has hired a new chief financial officer.

Developers should consider incorporating rewards and other tools such as receipt tracking in new mobile payment applications to promote broad adoption.

First National Bank Alaska in Anchorage has picked a 39-year veteran of the bank as its new president.