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.

Community Trust Bancorp (CTBI) in Pikeville, Ky., said Wednesday that its second-quarter earnings climbed 2% from the same period last year, to $12.2 million, due to improved loan quality and lower overhead.

Vantage Bancorp in San Antonio has agreed to buy Medina Bankshares in D'Hanis, Texas.

A community group opposes Banc of California's plans to buy 20 branches, saying management isn't being open about plans to serve low-income and minority customers. The bank says it’s all a misunderstanding. Still, the issue shows why banks must foster good relations with powerful advocacy groups.

Community Bancshares in McArthur, Ohio, has agreed to buy Citizens Bank of Asheville in Ohio.

A group led by Michael Quagliano, Solera's biggest shareholder, successfully took over the company's board last month, possibly ending a lengthy proxy battle.

First Republic Bank (FRC) in San Francisco reported higher earnings for the second quarter, as strong revenue growth helped offset a rise in compliance costs.

Boston Private Financial Holdings (BPFH) has agreed to buy Banyan Partners, an investment advisory firm in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Even activities permitted under the Volcker Rule may not be worth the legal and compliance costs for small and midsize banks, according to three attorneys at Bass, Berry & Sims.

PNC Financial Services Group Inc., the second-largest U.S. regional bank, reported a profit that beat analysts' estimates as expenses declined and the company set aside less money to cover soured loans.

Smaller banks are disproportionately affected by regulation, forcing some to consider selling or to rethink their strategy, two community bankers argued before Congress.

Farmers & Merchants Bank (FMBM) in Timberville, Va., plans a preferred stock offering to raise $9.5 million.

First Commonwealth Financial Corp. (FCF) in Indiana, Pa., has launched a new residential mortgage banking division.