Americas

Hilltop Holdings in Dallas has disclosed that its mortgage unit is under federal investigation in connection with underwriting practices for loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration.

Hanmi Financial in Los Angeles reported higher quarterly earnings as organic loan growth and an acquisition offset significant margin pressure.

Fidelity Southern in Atlanta has agreed to buy deposits and loans from Florida Capital Bank.

The City of Providence, R.I., has dropped its lawsuit against Santander Bank, over charges the bank deliberately failed to provide mortgages in minority communities.

It has been three months since Bankwell Financial's CEO left abruptly. Some observers say it might make sense for Bankwell — and others in a similar spot — to consider selling while no change-of-control payout is involved.

Beneficial Bancorp in Philadelphia could raise as much as $633 million through its second-step conversion.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., has signed a lease to open its first banking office in Oregon.

A court in Puerto Rico court has affirmed its decision that Doral Financial is entitled to a $230 million tax refund from the territory's Treasury Department.

Glacier Bancorp in Kalispell, Mont., has agreed to buy Montana Community Banks Inc. in Ronan, Mont.

Late Wednesday, Banner Corp. in Walla Walla, Wash., announced it would acquire AmericanWest Bank in a $702 million stock-and-cash deal.