The number of deals in early 2017 was similar to the same period last year, though the pricing has increased. Also see which M&A advisers were the most active for each region during 2016 in our annual ranking.

Banks are undergoing a digital transformation at the same time that hacker culture has taken off, escalating the security risks. Here is one strategy for protecting data where many banks need to improve.

The deal is Home BancShares’ second in Florida in less than five months and would let the Arkansas company further solidify its presence in the Sunshine State.

Community banks, big commercial banks and Wall Street investment houses are finding common ground in small-business loan funds that help Main Street, minimize potential losses on credit extended to young companies and sometimes lead to new business prospects.

As banks work to integrate their mobile apps with their physical channels, the march toward universal cardless ATM technology continues.

The demonstration was staged by a union-affiliated group that wants to organize bank workers.

The industry needs to establish a clear set of rules and standards so safe and secure financial data access and sharing continues unrestricted.

Credit unions are taking part in all manner of community events and donating time, money and resources to better the lives of the members they serve.

As multi-factor identification becomes the norm, biometrics can be one or more steps that consumers can easily execute.

The more vocal millennial generation is pushing companies like Bank of America to redefine diversity in the workplace to include more freedom of expression.

Bank3 started as a $12 million-asset institution with a single branch, no online banking and a core system that was obsolete. Now it's much more.

Northwest Bancorp in Spokane said it has agreed to acquire the $131.1 million-asset CenterPointe Community Bank in Hood River, Ore.

Ann Marie Mehlum, who has joined a lending platform called SmartBiz Loans after stints as a community banker and an SBA official, says the combination of fintech and old-fashioned banking could bring back small-business loans under $100,000.

Technology is moving at light speed beyond smartphones. To compete in this environment, banks need to zero in on solving for basic human needs.

Whether helping students or making donations to life-saving research, credit unions won't stop giving back to their communities.

Technology never stands still, and even the most successful mobile wallets in the market need to keep pace with the needs of consumers and merchants. A few are making changes that position them for new markets and platforms in the near future.

Archaic regulatory frameworks are curbing progress in fintech. We must modernize our rules so they address an internet- or mobile-based economy.

American Banker readers share their views on the most pressing banking topics of the week. Comments are excerpted from reader response sections of AmericanBanker.com articles and our social media platforms.

BMO recently won a diversity award for reaching its goal of having women in 40% of senior management jobs, and CEO Bill Downe argues equal treatment of employees will carry over to fair treatment of customers and create long-term profits for shareholders.

Andy Harmening will succeed longtime retail banking chief Mary Navarro, who is retiring in June.