Americas

Suffolk Bancorp in Riverhead, N.Y., posted stronger earnings in the first quarter on higher net interest income and a reduction in expenses.

Solid loan and deposit growth propelled East West Bancorp to double-digit profit gains in the first quarter.

South State in Columbia, S.C., has agreed to buy 13 Bank of America branches in South Carolina and Georgia.

Citizens Financial Group in Providence, R.I., reported a 26% increase in quarterly profit thanks to robust lending and lower costs for bad loans.

Bank of New York Mellon, under pressure from activist investors to improve results, reported a 16% increase in first-quarter profit as the stock market rally lifted assets and fees for overseeing them, and expenses declined.

PEWAUKEE, Wis. — The Wisconsin Credit Union League, the Cooperative Network and representatives from credit unions across the state are strongly opposing a bill in the state senate that calls for a merger of several state regulators — including the body that oversees state-chartered CUs — into one super agency.

United Community Banks in Blairsville, Ga., has agreed to buy Palmetto Bancshares in Greenville, S.C.

Pinnacle Financial Partners in Nashville, Tenn., reported higher first-quarter profit on strong lending results.

Fulton Financial in Lancaster, Pa., reported lower first-quarter profit on a decline in net interest income and higher expenses.

Arrow Financial in Glens Falls, N.Y., reported a double-digit profit increase in the first quarter as strong loan growth in its three major business lines helped to offset flat noninterest income and higher expense.