Americas

WashingtonFirst Bankshares (WFBI) in Reston, Va., is the latest lender to divest securities on concerns about the Volcker Rule's controversial ban on collateralized debt obligations.

The Federal Reserve Board has approved Community West Bancshares' (CWBC) request to pay dividends on preferred stock.

Cathay General Bancorp in Los Angeles has announced a number of executive changes, including the appointment of Irwin Wong to the newly created position of chief retail administration and regulatory affairs officer.

Susquehanna Bancshares (SUSQ) in Lititz, Pa., has sold 30 branches to a SunTrust Banks (STI) subsidiary and agreed to lease them back.

The Columbus, Ga., company has overcome a series of challenges since 2008, yet it will face more in the coming year. CEO Kessel Stelling, in a Q&A, addresses questions about how it will boost revenue and profits.

The board of Carolina Trust Bank (CART) in Lincolnton, N.C., has recruited Jerry Ocheltree, the former leader of First Bancorp (FBNC), to be its next president and chief executive.

Buoyed by its success on the West Coast, Operation Hope is partnering with the likes of SunTrust and Popular Community Bank to set up its financial literacy centers in such cities as Memphis, Atlanta, Washington and New York.

Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) in Columbus, Ohio, plans to close nine branches after its acquisition of Camco Financial (CAFI) in Cambridge, Ohio.

In a wide-ranging interview, Carver Bancorp CEO Deborah Wright says she expects 2014 to see the New York bank target more underbanked customers, expand lending to nonprofits and serve as a beacon of hope to other minority-owned banks.

First West Virginia Bancorp (FWV) in Wheeling has shifted some of its leaders following the death of its longtime chief executive.