Americas

Serving a single sponsor that is, itself, legendary for its customer service — and scattered all across the U.S. — means Nordstrom FCU has to be at the top of its game.

An investment bank cautioned Bank of the Ozarks that its target, Bank of the Carolinas, was in talks with another suitor and "did not wish to jeopardize that transaction," a filing disclosed. The Arkansas acquirer pushed on and ended up walking away with the deal less than two months later.

Departing New York state regulator Benjamin Lawsky revealed the final version of the BitLicense, the regulatory framework for digital currency businesses his department has developed over the past 18 months.

First United in Oakland, Md., has promoted Tonya Sturm to chief financial officer.

Bay Banks of Virginia in Kilmarnock has issued $7 million in subordinated debt.

Washington Trust Bancorp in Westerly, R.I., has agreed to buy Halsey Associates, an investment advisory firm in New Haven, Conn.

Discover Financial Services in Riverwoods, Ill., said it will double cash rewards for certain customers for a limited period, its latest effort to battle with rival issuers for new business.

First Resource Bank in Exton, Pa., plans to raise $6 million through a combination of common stock and subordinated debt to raise funds to redeem most of its Small Business Lending Fund preferred shares.

VENTURA, Calif. — Ventura County Credit Union announced that it has been named a "preferred lender" by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Freedom Bank in Overland Park, Kan., has hired Drew Gibson to be its chief financial officer, the Kansas City Business Journal reported Monday.