Commercial banking

An unusual succession plan at Burke & Herbert Bank raised speculation that Virginia's oldest bank might be interested in buying another institution, for the first time in its history, or even selling to a larger rival. The bank's interim CEO, and the man who will replace him, have other plans.

Enloe State Bank in Texas becomes the first bank to fail in 17 months; BB&T dangles promise of bonus payments to top executives if they stay; where JPMorgan Chase’s Finn experiment went wrong; and more from this week’s most-read stories.

Diverse economies and a limited number of sellers are making markets like Tampa, Fla., a hot spot for growth-minded banks.

The New Jersey bank is entering a business dominated by larger players. In doing so, it could create a blueprint for other small banks.

Five executives were appointed to new roles within the revamped business unit that houses business banking, government and institutional banking and middle-market banking. All will report to commercial banking head Kyle Hranicky.

The Canadian parent of BMO Harris Bank in Chicago has named Johannson group head of North American personal banking, an extension of similar executive duties she holds in the U.S.

Michael Ward, a former CEO at Mrs. Fields Famous Brands, has been a Prime Alliance director for 14 years.

Eric Meilstrup, who was named president last fall, will succeed Steve Foster as CEO next month.

West Florida Banking is made up of bankers who ran Jefferson Bank of Florida, which is now part of CenterState Banks.

A burgeoning trade war, the U.K.’s planned exit from the European Union and escalating tension between the U.S. and Iran have weighed on market sentiment in recent weeks, Citigroup CEO Michael Corbat said Wednesday.