Mackinac Financial (MFNC) in Manistique, Mich., has agreed to buy Peninsula Financial in Ishpeming, Mich.

NewBridge Bancorp (NBBC) in Greensboro, N.C., has hired six commercial bankers to run its new middle-market banking group.

Regulators have ordered Fulton Financial (FULT) in Lancaster, Pa., to strengthen its Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering controls.

Consumer confidence is improving but uncertainty surrounding world events and gridlock in Washington continue to temper expectations for Stephen Steinour.

Solera National Bancorp (SLRK) continues to go through management changes less than a month after an activist took over the Lakewood, Colo., company's board.

First Horizon National (FHN) in Memphis, Tenn., nearly doubled profits last quarter thanks to lower expenses and credit-quality improvements.

Republic Bancorp (RBCAA) in Louisville, Ky., reported a slight bump in second-profits due to modest loan growth but results were tempered somewhat by a sharp drop in mortgage banking income.

A community group has succeeded in forcing additional scrutiny of Banc of California's (BANC) expansion plans.

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.