The agency plans to reduce the period of heightened regulatory scrutiny to which de novo institutions are subjected to three years, down from the seven-year period established in the wake of the financial crisis.

Financial Institutions in Warsaw, N.Y., is facing a proxy battle from an activist investor intent on taking two board seats.

Wealth management revenue has been a bright spot on bank earnings for the last few years, but regulatory changes to the way advisers can charge for their services will likely dramatically change the business.

Amalgamated Bank in New York has recruited a former American Express executive to develop its online banking platform and has created a new position to oversee corporate philanthropy.

USAmeriBancorp in Clearwater, Fla., has completed a private placement to institutional investors of $45 million in subordinated notes.

In an interview, FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg said the agency will work with banking groups, state commissioners and others to help foster the growth of new banking charters.

State Bank Financial in Atlanta has agreed to buy NBG Bancorp in Athens, Ga.

Union Bankshares in Richmond, Va., has agreed to buy Old Dominion Capital Management in Charlottesville, Va.

DNB Financial in Downington, Pa., has agreed to buy East River Bank of Philadelphia.

The $1.3 billion-asset Westfield said in a press release Monday that it will pay $110 million, or $20.42 a share, in stock for the $800 million-asset Chicopee.

United Community Banks in Blairsville, Ga., has agreed to buy Tidelands Bancshares in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., for $2.2 million in cash, or 52 cents a share.

"In Northwest Arkansas there are a lot of banks with similar names," Chairman Jon Harrell said in a news release about the rebranding, which includes a new logo and signage. "We wanted a name that would stand out and at the same time it was important to us to not lose sight of our roots."

Several banks have recently purchased highly visible properties in strategically important markets, investing in real estate at a time when the industry is closing branches at a record pace. Low rates may be a factor, but many bankers are also trying to send a message to clients and prospects.

First Financial in Terre Haute, Ind., has sold its insurance brokerage unit to USI Insurance Services in Valhalla, N.Y.

When negativity threatens to stall progress, some surprisingly simple “little tricks” can help resolve conflict and get employees more engaged, says Michelle Stacy, who spoke at a recent Pennsylvania Bankers Association conference.

BofI Holding in San Diego has bought an equipment finance business from PacWest Bancorp in Beverly Hills, Calif.

San Francisco has an Office of Financial Empowerment that oversees all sorts of programs designed to help residents handle their money better and recruits banks and credit unions to participate. As other cities adopt a similar approach, more financial institutions have an opportunity to get involved.

Talmer Bancorp in Michigan agreed in January to sell itself for 2.3% less than its stock price at the time. In a recent filing, Talmer gave its rationale for the contentious take-under, emphasizing the deal's long-term benefits.

Clifton Bancorp in Clifton, N.J., said Friday that it has hired the former chief executive of a nearby rival as chief operating officer.

Banc of California in Irvine has promoted a back-office executive to become chief administrative officer.