Americas

Guaranty Federal Bancshares in Springfield, Mo., has agreed to buy Hometown Bancshares in Carthage.

Credit union-backed legislation sailed through the state legislature and was signed into law earlier this week.

The $528 million acquisition ends months of speculation that the foreign-owned banks were pursuing a deal.

Five years have passed since M&T agreed to buy Hudson City, only to be tripped up by anti-money-laundering issues. With a clean bill of health from regulators and Hudson integrated, management is again talking about its interest in deals.

Umpqua has taken a cue from other regionals that have found success in investment banking.

Mary Anne Bradfield currently serves as chief of staff at the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Mastercard Inc. will hire 470 people as the world’s second-largest payments network expands its technology hub in New York City.

Utah-based CU has returned $11 million to members over last 14 years.

The Communal CU says it will automate processes, use data in strategic decisions.

The bank has taken a decisive step to protect its asset quality, but the move also raises questions about what will drive loan growth in the future — and whether the company is on the block.