Americas

Washington Federal (WAFD) in Seattle has agreed to buy 51 branches from Bank of America (BAC).

Ameris Bancorp (ABCB)'s quarterly profit more than tripled, primarily on gains in mortgage revenue and a drop in the provision for loan losses.

Profits at Republic Bancorp (RBCAA) fell in the second quarter as the Louisville, Ky., company continues to suffer from the loss of its lucrative tax-refund anticipation loan program.

The $23.3 billion-asset company reported Wednesday a second-quarter profit of $74 million, 5% higher than the second quarter of 2012.

Flagstar Bancorp (FBC) in Troy, Mich., plans to outsource the servicing of some $3 billion of defaulted mortgages.

Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) in Los Angeles reported flat quarterly earnings as higher expenses offset gains from securities sales.

Higher expenses and an uptick in problem loans weighed down quarterly profits at Community Trust Bancorp (CTBI) in Pikeville, Ky.

Florida Community Bank in Naples is partnering with Raymond James Financial (RJF) to offer its customers asset management services.

Lending surged at Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa., this spring, allowing the $3.8 billion-asset company to report profits of $8.2 million in the second quarter, up 26% from the same period in 2012.

The $2.8 billion-asset Wilshire would pay about $105 million in cash and stock for the $542 million-asset Saehan, the companies announced Monday.