M&T Bank (MTB) reported fourth-quarter earnings well short of analysts' estimates, capping a challenging year in which regulatory troubles led to spiraling costs.

Webster Financial (WBS) in Waterbury, Conn., reported lower fourth-quarter profit after taking a big charge tied to the Volcker Rule.

Bank of New York Mellon Corp (BK:US)., the world's largest custody bank, said fourth-quarter earnings fell 18 percent because of a loss related to an equity investment.

First Horizon National (FHN) in Memphis, Tenn., returned to profitability in the fourth quarter after recording a benefit for income taxes.

The $2 billion-asset company said late Thursday that it would sell branches in Anthony and Harper to BancCentral in Alva, Okla. A third branch, in Overland Park, is being sold to Fidelity Bank in Wichita, Kan.

Associated Banc-Corp (ASBC) posted a fourth-quarter profit of $47.8 million, up 2.4% from a year earlier.

Susquehanna Bancshares (SUSQ) in Lititz, Pa., announced several executive changes.

People's United (PBCT) in Bridgeport, Conn., reported a dip in quarterly profits as income from sales of residential mortgage loans fell.

Regulators' attempt to carve out an exemption for small banks from a key part of the Volcker Rule satisfied most institutions that feared getting swallowed up in the Dodd-Frank Act provision, but left others still vulnerable to the regulation and facing significant losses.

The economy is showing signs of life. But executives at PNC, Huntington and BB&T remain cautious about investing in new businesses, products or markets that raise expenses or hurt efficiency ratios.

Bay Commercial Bank (BCML) in Walnut Creek, Calif., has agreed to buy Bank On It Inc. (BKOT) in Stockton, Calif.

Community Trust Bancorp (CTBI) in Pikeville, Ky., posted lower profit in the fourth quarter as sanctions tied to a Federal Reserve Board investigation took a bite out of earnings.

Westamerica Bancorp (WABC) of San Rafael, Calif., posted net income of $16.1 million for the fourth quarter, a 16.1% decrease from a year earlier.

Chain Bridge Bancorp in McLean, Va., has hired a former Wells Fargo (WFC) banker as its bank's president.

Bank Mutual (BKMU) in Brown Deer, Wis., reported higher earnings due mostly to improved credit quality.

Simmons First National (SFNC) in Pine Bluff, Ark., plans to close 27 branches, according to regulatory filings.

PrivateBancorp (PVTB) in Chicago posted higher quarterly earnings because of improved credit quality and lower expenses.

MB Financial (MBFI) in Chicago reported a minor dip in quarterly earnings as net interest income fell.

Flagstar Bancorp (FBC) in Troy, Mich., announced Thursday it is laying off approximately 600 employees as part of a cost cutting measure.

Soo Bong Min, the president and chief executive of BBCN Bank in Los Angeles, has stepped down after less than a year on the job.