Americas

First BanCorp in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has created a new position to oversee strategic decisions.

It took more than year for ViewPoint Financial and LegacyTexas to complete a transformational merger near Dallas. The company, which took the seller's name, is now trying to meet its targets in the face of plummeting oil prices.

American Capital Partners has recruited two Raymond James analysts to launch a research unit focused on small and mid-cap banks in the New York area.

Wintrust Financial in Chicago has formed a division to focus on the city's start-up community.

First Premier Bank, a subprime credit card issuer, has given up a court fight aimed at keeping information about its cards off a comparison-shopping website.

Former Rep. Bill Owens has been named a director of Arrow Financial in Glen Falls, N.Y.

Chesapeake Bancorp in Chestertown, Md., has hired Al Wilson as its president and chief executive. Wilson resigned from AmeriServ Financial last month as its chief executive.

Northwest Bancshares in Warren, Pa., has bought B.J. Petruso Agency in Meadville, Pa.

Numerous banks are expected to say they trimmed expenses yet again when they report fourth-quarter results in the coming weeks. But that trend may ebb soon as many executives are forced to spend on technology and to expand their businesses.

Avenue Financial Holdings in Nashville, Tenn., is looking to raise $30 million through an initial public offering.