United Security Bancshares in Thomasville, Ala., has agreed to buy a three-acre parcel near Birmingham, Ala., for a new executive office and retail branch.

Activists typically improve a company's stock performance — and can produce "dramatic, excess returns" when they have specific demands, says Josh Hinkel, a partner with Bain & Co.

Ray Grace, North Carolina's banking commissioner, believes federal bank regulators should embrace charters for banks dedicated to innovation. Doing so, he said, would help the banking industry secure its spot as a "laboratory for change."

Traditional financial institutions are often seen as the outdated rival to new disruptors, but the idea that a bank can't be a marketplace lender, and vice versa, is a myth.

Midland Financial in Oklahoma City has agreed to buy 1st Century Bancshares in Los Angeles.

Horizon Bancorp in Michigan City, Ind., has agreed to buy LaPorte Bancorp in LaPorte, Ind.

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 our social media platforms.

State Street in Boston is on the hunt for a new chief financial officer. Michael Bell, 52, has decided to step down within the next year the custody bank said on Thursday.

Richard Meares, the president and chief executive of Fleetwood Bank in Berks County, Pa., is retiring in January.

Norwood Financial in Honesdale, Pa., has agreed to buy Delaware Bancshares in Walton, N.Y.

It could take months before lawmakers approve a successor for departing NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz, and industry observers believe issues like supplemental capital could be on hold until that replacement takes office.

James Hackett, chairman of the board of directors at Fifth Third Bancorp, is stepping down.

The Hall of Fame manager, who won three World Series, told bankers at a recent conference that trust, integrity and communication are critical to success. La Russa also shared tales from his storied career, including accounts of managing the likes of Rickey Henderson and Chris Carpenter.

That is the message from North Carolina's banking commissioner and others who think the odds of preventing the rule are so low, and the amount of preparation needed to comply so great, that bankers should get real.

Not only are widening credit spreads for both banks and the companies they lend to a red flag, but the financial sector is also feeling a hit from lower energy prices.

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump received support from 83% of attendees polled at the Independent Community Bankers of America's annual convention. The results were more pronounced compared with a similar poll by the Consumer Bankers Association, where Hillary Clinton edged out Trump.

Citizens Financial Group will build a new office complex in Johnston, R.I., and consolidate about 3,200 workers at the location.

Having served as a holdover since her term expired last spring, Debbie Matz announced she will be departing the agency at the end of next month.

Peoples Bancorp in Marietta, Ohio, has obtained a $15 million credit line and has paid off an earlier loan.

Regulators want to know how banks are planning for the future, particularly in the face of competitive threats such as marketplace lending and added scrutiny over the use of third-party vendors.