Since the recession, banks have gradually reinvested more and more of their liquidity in securities. A handful have taken this trend to the extreme, putting nearly all of their deposits into investments and lending almost nothing. While delivering consistent, low-risk profits, the model faces pressure from regulators and the economy.

First National (FXNC) in Strasburg, Va., has formed a mortgage division.

Harwood Feffer promised to investigate claims against First Citizens Banc Corp in Ohio for agreeing to sell itself. The problem? The law firm should have been targeting First Citizens Bancorp. in South Carolina.

Sun Bancorp (SNBC) in Mount Laurel, N.J., has hired three industry veterans to expand its commercial lending in New Jersey.

The Holding family has held large stakes in several banks for years; two of those banks are finally merging as part of a $637 million deal.

LenderLive Network is expanding its correspondent lending channel by offering to buy jumbo mortgages from members of the Independent Community Bankers of America.

Struggling North Milwaukee Bancshares is asking its home city for a cash infusion, but the city has so far been reluctant to make a commitment.

Metro Bancorp (METR) in Harrisburg, Pa., is facing pressure from an investor to sell itself.

Share of The Bancorp (TBBK) plummeted a day after the Wilmington, Del., company disclosed that it had been hit with a consent order tied to the Bank Secrecy Act.

Some regional and large community banks are retaining more mortgages for investment because better-than-average deposit growth has given them extra cash they need to deploy. However, they are selective about which mortgages they keep.

A number of banks are looking at checking accounts without overdraft fees or check writing as a way to reach new customers and deepen relationships.

Many of the complex and costly regulations implemented under the Dodd-Frank Act are unnecessary and burdensome for community banks. A two-tiered regulation system is the clear solution.

The North Carolina company will pay more than $637 million for First Citizens Bancorp., a South Carolina bank. Both companies are majority owned by the Holding family.

Peoples Bank of Indianola in Iowa has agreed to buy Pleasantville State Bank in Iowa.

The $1 billion-asset company disclosed in a regulatory filing Tuesday that it sold Tri-State General Insurance Agency to an unnamed buyer for $2.9 million.

Loan demand seems to be returning, but not fast enough for many bankers and their investors. Bankers discuss the various things holding back a return to blow-out quarters of loan growth.

Small businesses obtained more loans from banks of all sizes compared to a month earlier month in another sign that the economy is gradually improving.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s outspoken vice chairman told bankers that curbing the "misdeeds" that prompted higher regulatory burden is better than just seeking exemptions for some.

Community banks are testing out a new tool that makes it easier (and far cheaper) for commercial customers to estimate the value of their companies.

American Banker asked readers, BankThink contributors and staff members to recommend books for bankers to take on their summer vacations. Share your own suggestions in the comments section below.