Americas

The company has agreed to buy Bay Bancorp for $129 million in stock.

Klarna’s instant online financing for purchases is gaining a foothold in the U.S., where the Swedish company is testing a subscription-based financing approach starting with golf clubs from TaylorMade Golf.

The Indiana company's board knew what it wanted from a potential buyer, and that helped it as it negotiated one of this year's biggest bank deals.

Joseph MarcAurele will retire as chairman and CEO in March. The company's president and chief operating officer, Ned Handy, will take the helm.

The company, which agreed to buy Independence Bancshares, also brought in $25 million by selling common and preferred stock.

The company is looking to raise about $115 million. A portion of the proceeds would help pay for Merchants' pending purchase of Joy State Bank.

Mark Thompson had previously been a CenterState regional president overseeing the South Florida market.

The Michigan credit union's Passion Project gives employees the opportunity to connect with their community, as well.

In post-hurricane San Juan on Monday, commerce picked up ever so slightly. With a little effort, you could get the basics and sometimes more: diapers, medicine, or even a gourmet hamburger smothered in fried onions and gorgonzola cheese. But almost impossible to find was a place that accepted credit cards.

Chemical Financial and Fidelity Southern are the latest banks to curtail auto lending, blaming trends in auto sales and overheated competition.