Americas

LOS ANGELES — It's taken six long years, but credit unions in the Golden and Silver States finally have something to celebrate when they gather here this week for their annual meeting: momentum.

WASHINGTON — From her first job at a small credit union to her current job in Congress, Barbara Lee has been working to help credit unions in one form or another.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court could have a say in how regulators issue guidance on interpretive rules that are not subject to notice and comment, which could have ramifications for NCUA and the credit union community.

SunTrust Banks in Atlanta reported higher third-quarter earnings on improved fee income from its investment banking unit, mortgages and card fees.

First Niagara Financial in Buffalo, N.Y., plans to close 17 branches and two drive-through locations in January.

Huntington Bancshares in Columbus, Ohio, reported lower third-quarter earnings despite an uptick in revenue. The culprit was its nearly $23 million in special expenses.

Hawaii First Federal Credit Union received the Annual Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Convening's Circle of Honor Award.

Associated Banc-Corp in Green Bay, Wis., produced strong loan growth and other results in the third quarter that analysts said outshone some of its peers.

Wintrust Financial in Rosemont, Ill., reported third-quarter earnings of $40.2 million, as increases in interest and fee income were partially offset by heavier expenses.

The $1.1 billion-asset Starion did not disclose the terms of its deal for WPS Community, a federally chartered thrift with $98 million in assets.