Americas

First Bancorp has emerged as one of the few consolidators in North Carolina at a time when many other banks in the state have opted to sell.

The $34 million acquisition is expected to strengthen Central Valley's banking operations in northern California.

Rusty Cloutier had been CEO of MidSouth Bancorp for 32 years. Energy-sector woes helped do him in.

The New Jersey company's profit growth was constrained by an 11% increase in compensation and benefits and an 85% jump in consulting fees tied to compliance and other issues.

The Louisiana company also said that credit quality in its energy portfolio improved during the first quarter.

Unable to outspend big banks on technology, Asian-American banks are marketing to different ethnic groups and immigrants, sponsoring events for youth and young professionals and emphasizing in-person service.

City National Capital Finance is a nationwide platform with a focus on large and midsize clients. The unit has offices in Florida, Texas, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and New York.

Doug Bowers will serve as the permanent replacement for Steven Sugarman, who resigned in January.

The Cincinnati bank's profit-improvement plan is as detailed as it gets, but there is an argument to be made it is heavy on metrics and light on vision.

Joseph Evans will step down as CEO on June 1, though he will remain the company's chairman. Thomas Wiley, a longtime associate of Evans, is set to take the helm.