Americas

Westfield Bancorp in Westfield Center, Ohio, has agreed to buy Valley Savings Bank in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The deal will give Westfield two additional branches and boost its assets to nearly $1 billion.

The organization that runs the automated clearing house network wants to phase in same-day payments in three stages, but backers of a speedier system say the plan -- the second such effort in two years -- still is not enough.

Over half of Americans blame Target and Neiman Marcus for the recent data breaches suffered by their customers and think merchants should prevent future incidents, according to a national survey commissioned by Feedzai.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Total projected assessments from the NCUA's Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund dropped by $2.2 billion during the second half of 2013, the regulator announced Tuesday, adding it was "hopeful" that no future CU assessments would be necessary.

There is a lot of work to be done behind the scenes before Citizens can become independent of Royal Bank of Scotland, including the establishment of new technological, administrative and financial reporting systems, CEO Bruce Van Saun says.

Cybersecurity firm Trustwave has acquired Cenzic, a company that helps organizations test their applications' vulnerability to hacker attacks.

First Commonwealth Financial (FCF) in Indiana, Pa., is bringing its corporate banking business to Ohio.

United Community Financial (UCFC) in Youngstown, Ohio, has hired an outside executive to become its next president and chief executive.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Credit unions continued to grow assets, loans and leases, and shares and deposits in 2013 — once again led by the largest institutions — according to new analysis by SNL Financial.

Talmer Bancorp (TLMR) in Troy, Mich., could enjoy a bigger-than-expected benefit from its purchase of Michigan Commerce Bank.