Americas

First Financial Northwest in Renton, Wash., has gotten regulatory approval to receive a $70 million dividend from its bank unit.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Credit union membership is up in Florida and Alabama, thanks in part to the success of a long-term branding campaign started more than three years ago.

Carver Bancorp in New York said Deborah Wright will retire as chief executive at the end of the year. The company's current president will succeed her.

John Hairston, set to become the Mississippi company's sole CEO, said Carl Chaney was not forced out as co-CEO. Still, he said the departure allows Hancock to streamline operations and become more efficient.

MSB Financial Corp., a mutual thrift firm in Millington, N.J., plans to reorganize into a fully stock-owned company.

First Horizon National in Memphis, Tenn., is looking to raise $400 million by issuing debt.

California Republic Bancorp in Irvine, Calif., has raised $90 million through an offering of equity and debt.

Wells Financial in Wells, Minn., has agreed to buy St. James Federal Savings and Loan Association in St. James, Minn.

BNC Bancorp in High Point, N.C., has agreed to buy Valley Financial in Roanoke, Va.

ARLINGTON, Va. — A number of credit union and bank executives have been ignoring the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cyber Security, waiting for the federal government to issue more definitive guidance.