Retail & Commercial

The Long Island-based regional bank, which reported another quarterly loss Friday, continues to hire in the commercial-and-industrial lending sphere as it seeks to diversify its commercial real estate-heavy business.

Registration is now open for American Banker's annual Best Banks to Work For awards.

The Pennsylvania bank, which is working to diversify its deposit base and increase its access to low-cost deposits, has brought on some 10 commercial banking teams in the last year.

For too long, banks have outsourced innovation, placing their future in the hands of outside vendors. That's no longer a viable strategy. Banks need to bring innovation in-house again.

Tacoma, Washington-based Columbia Banking System said it will buy Pacific Premier Bancorp, accelerating its growth in Southern California by about a decade. The deal is Columbia's second major acquisition in three years.

The Raleigh, North Carolina-based company, which has been acquisitive in recent years, is more than halfway through a $3.6 billion share-repurchase plan. Executives said it's the best way to return capital to shareholders, but mergers remain part of its long-term strategy.

Credit unions are continuing to buy community banks, although at a slower pace than in 2024.

BCB Bancorp in Bayonne, New Jersey, swung to an $8.3 million loss in the first quarter due to a troubled cannabis loan. The crowded weed marketplace in the New York area is leading to tighter margins.

The Evansville, Indianapolis-based company now expects to complete its $1.4 billion acquisition of Bremer Financial in Minnesota on May 1, instead of mid-year.

The Sunshine State deal comes following a banner year for credit union-bank combinations, despite pushback from community banking advocates.