Though fourth-quarter net charge-offs reached a level not seen since the financial crisis, the Little Rock, Arkansas-based regional bank is forecasting better results in 2026 and an even stronger recovery in 2027.

In the 11 months after Fifth Third completes its acquisition of Comerica, the Cincinnati bank plans to send 13 million-to-14 million pieces of paper mail to retail customers. CEO Tim Spence says the old-fashioned method "still works," and actually has some advantages over more modern modes of communication.

Data collected by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors demonstrates a huge disparity in compliance costs between large and small banks. Policymakers in Washington who claim to support community banks must act to reduce regulatory burden.

Community Financial in Syracuse has agreed to purchase a small bank that's built its business model around end-of-life planning.

Coastal Financial in Washington State has acquired GreenFi, one of its fintech partners. The move is designed to buy time in order to figure out the best long-term strategy for the struggling neobank.

One of the leading makers of pre-packaged salads has acquired a 16.3% stake in Salinas, California-based Pacific Valley Bank. "It's a real vote of confidence," the bank's CEO said.

House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill's community-banking package includes reciprocal deposits, tailoring and many other items on community bankers' wish lists.

Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman outlined several priorities affecting community banks, including potential changes to asset thresholds for smaller institutions.

The 81-year-old Metamora State Bank renamed itself Bank419 to better align its brand with its business after years of regional expansion.

New disclosures show the ransomware attack on the marketing vendor affected far more community banks and credit unions than initially estimated.

Just a handful of de novo banks opened in 2025. But there are signs of renewed activity, with eight banks currently actively in formation and more than 10 charter applications on file with the FDIC.

Community banks are always looking for ways to expand local engagement. But for some banks, sponsoring disc golf courses, clubs and events offers a relatively inexpensive way to boost their profile among a very loyal customer base.

Credit unions hit new highs in membership, deposits and loans in 2025. But it was also a chaotic year for the industry's governing body, and the sector faced renewed attacks by banks.

As commissioner of Virginia's Bureau of Financial Institutions since 1997, Joe Face emphasized strengthening the dual banking system.

Fintechs are wrong to demand wholesale consolidation of community banks in the U.S. Real innovation doesn't stem from wiping out smaller institutions or forcing consolidation. Innovation comes from fair competition, secure data protocols, and clear rules that apply equally to banks and fintechs of all sizes.

Once its second deal in less than three years closes midway through 2026, the Alexandria-based company will operate more than 100 branches and hold $11 billion in assets.

The merger with Heritage Financial joins two commercially focused banks, creating a $21.7 billion-asset institution with a presence in all of the Golden State's major markets.

Banesco USA in Miami is among the banks that are eyeing the government-guaranteed lending program as a source of growth.

Daryl Byrd, who led Iberiabank until it was acquired by First Horizon, has assembled an investor group to acquire MC Bancshares and its subsidiary, MC Bank & Trust Co. in Morgan City, Louisiana. Byrd will become CEO.

Federal regulators' plan to dial back supervision of community banks is coming at a dangerous time. Rising climate risk creates unique vulnerabilities for small banks that regulators should be tracking.