Americas

Ocwen Financial, operating under a settlement with New York's banking regulator that restricts its servicing portfolio acquisitions, is looking at its old private-label mortgage securities as a new profit center.

WashingtonFirst Bankshares in Reston, Va., has raised $20 million through a private placement.

First NBC Bank Holding in New Orleans has agreed to buy State Investors Bancorp in New Orleans.

The $2 billion-asset company said in a press release Tuesday that it sold common stock to unnamed accredited investors for $10.56 a share.

MIDLAND, Mich. — Dow Chemical Employees' Credit Union (DCECU) announced it will issue Member Giveback Rebates and Rewards for 2014 that will break the $1.4 billion CU's previous records.

HF Financial in Sioux Falls, S.D., is scaling back its in-store branch branches due to increased demand for online banking and the advice-oriented offerings at full-service branches.

Ironhorse Financial Group in Muskogee, Okla., has agreed to acquire Benefit Financial Group in Fort Smith, Ark.

Fulton Financial in Lancaster, Pa., disclosed that another one of its banks has been hit with a consent order tied to Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering compliance.

Tompkins Financial in Ithaca, N.Y., will soon have a new leader for its Bank of Castile.

Investors have been waiting for George Martinez to take Allegiance Bancshares public, and 2015 was expected to be the year. But a slide in oil prices might complicate the prospects. Still, with an acquisition to integrate and a team that produces 20% annual loan growth, he is looking forward to the coming year.