LA CROSSE, Wis. – Altra FCU announced it will expand into the Rochester, Minn., market with a new branch.

Freddie Mac raised its estimate for 2012 originations to $1.45 trillion in its latest economic and housing market outlook, citing lower expected 30-year rates. Freddie previously had forecast that 2012 would end with a total of just $1.3 trillion in originations.

JPMorgan Chase has decided to step on the bandwagon of megalenders refusing to participate in FHA "streamline" refinancings that are outside of their current servicing portfolios.

George L. Engelke Jr. has resigned as chairman of Astoria Financial (AF), ending his long tenure with the Lake Success, N.Y., company that included a 22-year run as its chief executive officer.

John Kanas' BankUnited seems like a small threat now, but Capital One fought hard to protect its standing in the prized Northeastern market down the road.

FirstBank of Lexington, Tenn., has named its chief banking officer as its new president.

Schiff Hardin in Charlotte, N.C., just created Schiff Hardin Strategic Advisers to help banks distance themselves from past problems and prevent them from reoccurring. The firm is led by two former Wachovia executives.

The Federal Trade Commission charged a telemarketing operation with running a deceptive investment scheme that took in at least $10 million from mostly elderly consumers, many of whom invested their retirement savings buying precious metals on credit without knowing the costs and risks.

A San Antonio community bank owned by the family of prominent businessman Tom Benson is acquiring another small bank in what would be its first-ever acquisition.

Taylor Capital Group (TAYC) in Rosemont, Ill., is expanding its mortgage unit by hiring more than 60 retail mortgage professionals from Amera Mortgage in Milford, Mich.

Most banks take a one-size-fits-all approach to their branching strategies rather than tailor products and services to each branch based on the needs of individual markets.

Both companies' loan origination systems will be maintained and supported post-merger, executives say.

Hispanic customers of JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo have long been able to pay bills or transfer money online — but only in English. Now both companies are planning to expand their Spanish-language online banking services by early next year.

Community banks are expanding their mortgage operations after struggling to gain ground with commercial loans.

Most banks have eliminated bonuses, but thanks to stock options a dozen top executives raked in seven figures last year, according to SNL.

The consumer bureau announced who will be serving as counselor to the CFPB director, general counsel and ombudsman, among other positions.

The Federal Reserve Board has issued an enforcement orders against First Security Bank of Malta in Montana that gives the bank 30 days to become adequately capitalized or sell itself to another institution.

John Kanas, BankUnited's CEO, said settling with his former employer was a better option than enduring a lengthy legal battle and possible trial.

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