Americas

Sunflower Financial is adding loans and growing in Denver. First Western Financial has tepid loan growth, but its prowess in private banking is enviable. Casual talks between their CEOs led them to the realization they could build on each other’s strengths.

Urban Partnership Bank in Chicago has lured a former Citibank executive out of retirement to lead its consumer banking operations.

LAS VEGAS — While nine hopefuls entered, five credit unions with innovative, forward-looking technology solutions were recognized with awards here during the 2014 CUNA Technology Council and Operations, Sales and Service Council Conference earlier this week.

First Connecticut Bancorp in Farmington is expanding into Massachusetts.

NewBridge Bancorp in Greensboro, N.C., has created three commercial banking groups.

Hawaii National Bancshares in Honolulu is planning to buy out the holdings of its minority shareholders.

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has agreed to ramp up its security policies on data collection in response to a recent Government Accountability Office report that raised nearly a dozen recommendations on the topic.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) reached a deal with prepaid-card firm Green Dot Corp. (GDOT) to offer checking accounts to the retailer's customers, building on an expansion into financial services that U.S. banks have sought to block.

A pair of banking companies announced plans to consolidate their community bank brands.

Sunflower Financial in Salina, Kan., is poised to strengthen its presence in Denver.