Earnings at Associated Banc-Corp (ASBC) fell slightly in the second quarter as growth in commercial lending failed to offset a sharp decline in income from mortgage banking.

Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) in Columbus, Ohio, improved its bottom line as an increase in revenue offset higher noninterest expenses.

Internal documents reveal that the crackdown is targeting banks, not merchants and processors, because it requires less investigation into the facts. That should anger all Americans who care about due process and the rule of law, writes ex-FDIC Chairman Bill Isaac.

Sierra Bancorp (BSRR) in Porterville, Calif., has agreed to buy Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVE) in Santa Paula, Calif.

Home BancShares (HOMB) in Conway, Ark., got a big boost last quarter from a recent acquisition.

People's United (PBCT) in Bridgeport, Conn., has started a payments firm in partnership with Vantiv in a move that aided the company's quarterly results.

Sandy Spring Bancorp's profits fell short of expectations in the second quarter as revenue from mortgage banking plummeted and litigation costs rose.

The ongoing search for expense cuts continues, as investors wonder why regional banks such as KeyCorp, Fifth Third, Webster Financial and M&T aren't cutting more and faster.

Aided by gains from a recent acquisition, Simmons First National (SFN) in Pine Bluff, Ark., reported a $9.9 million profit in the second quarter, a 51% increase from the same period last year.

First National Bank of Southern California in Riverside and First Mountain Bank (FMBP) in Big Bear Lake, Calif., have terminated their planned merger.

Regulatory constraints make it hard for banks to offer payday and other short-term loans, so why not refer those potential customers to credit unions who can? Some banks -- including Bank of America, TD and South State -- have decided this is a good strategy and helped start a credit union in South Carolina to do the job.

First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK) in Billings, Mont., will close eight branches after it acquires Mountain West Financial (MTWF) in Helena, Mont.

LNB Bancorp (LNBB) in Lorain, Ohio, has hired a new chief financial officer.

Trust-preferred creditors have forced two indebted bank holding companies into involuntary bankruptcy this summer. Secured lenders may soon follow their lead and start foreclosing on bank stock collateral.

Webster Financial (WBS) in Waterbury, Conn., reported higher quarterly earnings but missed its earnings targets as mortgage-banking fees declined more than expected.

First National Bank of Green Forest in Arkansas has chosen a new name but kept it in the family, so to speak. The $347 million-asset bank will rebrand itself as Anstaff Bank, a blend of the names of its two founding families, Anderson and Stafford.

Cardinal Financial (CFNL) in Tysons Corner, Va., blamed a 14% drop in profits on acquisition-related expenses.

Guaranty Bancorp (GBNK) in Denver has bought Cherry Hills Investment Advisors in Greenwood Village, Colo.

Bank of the Carolinas in Mocksville, N.C., has raised $46 million through a private placement. The $428 million-asset company said that it sold about 458 million shares of newly issued common stock at 10 cents each to unnamed institutional and accredited investors.

Farmers Bank & Trust in Magnolia, Ark., has agreed to acquire the 1st Bank of Texarkana, a $309 million-asset bank located just over the state line in Texas.