Americas

Amalgamated Bank in New York has given its president, Keith Mestrich, the additional title of chief executive.

Rich Weaver has retired as commissioner of the Missouri Division of Finance.

Liberty Bank in New Orleans reached agreement a year ago to acquire First Tuskegee Bank in Alabama. But the deal has remained in limbo ever since, and it shows that buyers and sellers can take little for granted in bank M&A.

Gabe Krajicek, CEO of Austin, Texas-based BancVue, a wholesale financial services company, reminded credit unions to be aware of the potential for a short-term interest rate hike in 2015.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Altura Credit Union reported $3.82 million in net income during the second quarter of 2014, marking 13 consecutive quarters of positive earnings.

Essex Bank in Richmond, Va., recently launched a wholesale mortgage funding group.

LAS VEGAS — Credit Union Journal asked attendees of NAFCU Annual Conference last month to look ahead to the strategic planning season and answer the question: Is your credit union adding any new agenda items this year?

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Don Cates is eyeing banks in the northeastern section of the Hoosier state more carefully these days.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The biggest trend in credit union strategic planning over recent years has been considering it more as a process than an event.

Bank of the Ozarks in Little Rock, Ark., has agreed to buy Intervest Bancshares in New York for $228.5 million in stock.