EMEA

SunTrust (STI) has opened a downtown Atlanta branch to test new bank technology concepts that could be used in other SunTrust branches nationwide.

United Community Bank (UCBI) in Georgia is expanding its Small Business Administration funding by acquiring a portion of Business Carolina's (BCI) operations.

State Bank Financial (STBZ) in Atlanta has agreed to buy Atlanta Bancorp.

Heritage Financial (HBOS) in Albany, Ga., has agreed to buy Alarion Financial Services in Ocala, Fla.

ATLANTA — Much like healthcare.gov struggled on its way to signing up 7.1 million Americans, private health insurance exchanges partnering with credit unions are reporting their own enrollment challenges.

NorthSide Bank in Adairsville, Ga., has hired a new president and chief executive.

Fidelity Southern (LION) in Atlanta has filed documents that would allow it to issue up to $100 million in stock, warrants and debt.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta has appointed Bank of Georgetown Chairman Michael Fitzgerald to its board of directors.

A unit of SunTrust (STI) in Atlanta has acquired an advisory firm that targets the oil and gas industry.

United Community Banks (UCBI) in Blairsville, Ga., said it expects to report earnings of $14 million to $15 million for the first quarter.