Bank mergers and acquisitions will increase only slightly as capital levels and regulatory limits prompt buyers to choose targets carefully, says Nadine Mirchandani of Ernst & Young.

Avoid a change if your bank lacks the ability or resources to implement it successfully. Instead, consider accepting low growth, managing the institution for cash and returning the excess capital to shareholders.

We revisit some of the best comments readers posted to AmericanBanker.com and BankThink.com in 2012.

When account opening was proving too slow, AloStar Bank of Commerce turned to a solution that automatically performs identity and credit checks.

A longtime director of the troubled First Financial Northwest (FFNW) has retired from the Renton, Wash., company's board.

Regulators apparently agree with widespread criticism that the vast foreclosure review process went off the rails.

C1 Bank will likely need to strengthen its compliance department before buying a branch in downtown Miami from U.S. Century Bank.

Jacksonville Bancorp (JAXB) in Florida has sold roughly $25.1 million of troubled assets and completed its previously announced $50 million capital raise.

As 2012 progressed, one thing became strikingly clear: the card networks do not want to be left behind as new digital payment methods threaten plastic.

Despite a lackluster track record in 2012, the two SuperPACs formed by bankers are vowing to increase their influence before the next election hits.

Cybercriminals will target small banks, mobile platforms and cutting-edge payment forms in an effort to delay service and obtain data next year.

Capitol Bancorp (CBCRQ) in Lansing, Mich., has reached a tentative agreement to sell its Sunrise Bank of Albuquerque to a group of unnamed investors.

Carlile Bancshares in Fort Worth, Texas, has completed a deal that adds significantly to its branch network in Colorado.

Private equity firms could unload their bank investments if a weak economy and sluggish earnings persist.

United Community Banks (UCBI) in Blairsville, Ga., has registered $35 million in senior notes on behalf of several outside investors.

Sun Bancorp (SNBC) in Vineland, N.J., has received the Federal Reserve Board's blessing to hire Thomas R. Brugger as its chief financial officer.

QNB Corp. (QNBC) in Quakertown, Pa., is preparing to complete its previously announced succession plan.

Happy third anniversary, Brian Moynihan. Investors and others are complimenting your work streamlining the troubled Bank of America — and debating whether a new CEO is needed to kick-start growth.

Sound Community Bancorp in Seattle has ditched its federal thrift charter. The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions approved an application last week from Sound Community Bank for a state commercial bank charter, which went into effect immediately.

Bankers say their decisions and progress are retarded by uncertainty about pending government actions. That's nonsense. Seldom has the future been as clear as it is today.