Americas

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has closed Slavie Federal Savings Bank in Bel Air, Md.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is looking to ban a former Tennessee banker from the industry following his institution's 2012 failure.

The emergence of several regional banks in California could prompt smaller institutions to weigh their M&A options. Higher operating costs and limited revenue opportunities could also force more consolidation in the state.

Independent Bank Group (IBTX) in McKinney, Texas, is reportedly in talks to buy Houston Community Bank.

First Savings Bank of Perkasie in Pennsylvania has acquired investment advisor Longview Capital Management in Wilmington, Del.

MADISON, Wis. — Credit unions can expect reasonably good lending conditions as the financial crisis gets a little further in the rear-view mirror during the second half of this year, but they will continue to be challenged by regulatory pressure.

WASHINGTON — Financial institutions are still feeling negative effects from last year's sudden rise in medium- and long-term interest rates, but plenty of signs in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s latest industry update continue to point to a lending resurgence soon.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Credit unions won't get much help from a slowly recovering economy during the second half of the year, say analysts who foresee minimal GDP growth and CUs still having to slug it out to find ways to drive ROA.

O'FALLON, Mo. — With big question marks over when interest rates will finally rise, what's coming down the regulatory pike and how the political landscape is going to change, credit unions need to keep their eyes peeled for both challenges and opportunities in the second half of 2014.

LAS VEGAS — To thrive in the second half of 2014, credit unions need to do some much-needed — if slightly belated — spring cleaning.