Retail & Commercial

American Banker readers share their views on the most pressing banking topics of the week. Comments are excerpted from reader response sections of AmericanBanker.com articles and from our social media platforms.

In recent online focus groups, Federal Reserve researchers presented 44 small-business owners with basic information about a loan and asked them to estimate the interest rate. The business owners' responses were telling.

First NBC Bank Holding in New Orleans has agreed to raise its purchase price for State Investors Bancorp and has delayed the targeted completion date.

The 50 banks that earned a spot on our third annual ranking of the Best Banks to Work For take their fun seriously. Check out which banks made the list and take away some great ideas for creating a happier workplace of your own.

Premier Financial Bancorp in Huntington, W.Va., has received a $12 million loan from First Guaranty Bancshares in Hammond, La.

PayPal is increasing prices for thousands of small businesses as the company looks to maintain revenue growth and boost profit margins as a stand- alone business separate from EBay

Walter Investment Management has received approval from Freddie Mac to hold the mortgage servicing rights on $3.3 billion in residential mortgage loans.

Western Nebraska Bank in Curtis will buy a branch in Paxton, Neb., from Pony Express Community Bank.

A look at where credit union branches are being closed faster than they're being opened.

First Financial Northwest is moving past its thrift roots three years after a proxy battle ousted its chief executive. Other banks in the same position are still trying to get back on track.