The finalization of the Volcker Rule signals that banks have reached "the height of the regulatory burden that has been placed on banks" since 2008, according to ConnectOne CEO Frank Sorrentino III. Now bankers just need to figure out how to fully comply with these new rules. Sorrentino, also a board member of the American Bankers Association, discusses his outlook for industry regulation in 2014.

Little Bank (LTLB) in Kinston, N.C., said in a press release Monday that fouder and chairman, Felix Harvey, died on Jan. 2. He was 93.

The Minneapolis company has inked a deal to buy 105 Chicago-area branches of Citizens Financial Group, the U.S. bank owned by Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, Crain's Chicago Business reported Monday.

The Denver city council passed a proclamation Monday asking that Colorado's legal marijuana businesses be granted access to the nation's banking system.

Cincinnati's First Financial Bancorp amassed a lot of capital thanks to failed-bank deals but took its time deciding what to do with it. Its three recent expansion moves put it in the company of other failed-bank buyers that are shifting to open-bank M&A.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., has expanded its recently created health care unit with the hiring of Randall Boba as first vice president and senior portfolio manager.

Elmira Savings Bank (ESBK) in Elmira, N.Y., has redeemed the remaining $3.5 million of preferred stock issued to the Treasury Department through the Small Business Lending Fund.

Banking is increasingly a data-driven business. By creating a shared data and analytics utility, community banks could glean valuable insights on their business currently available only to large institutions.

Activist investor PL Capital has taken a $3.5 million stake in Old Point Financial (OPOF) in Hampton, Va.

After Decatur First Bank failed, Judy Turner could have been blacklisted from banking. But she was hired by another bank looking to enter a new market -- and she is making a solid comeback.

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) in Cincinnati is entering the Fort Wayne, Ind., market with the establishment of commercial and residential mortgage teams there.

Susquehanna Bancshares (SUSQ) in Lititz, Pa., has hired Kevin Burns as chief risk officer and executive vice president.

Macatawa Bank (MCBC) in Holland, Mich., has exchanged all of its outstanding preferred stock for common stock and cash to simplify its capital structure and direct dividends to investors.

Pulaski Financial (PULB) in St. Louis has appointed two executives to lead its mortgage division.

The second half of December is generally a slow period for news, with many people on vacation and businesses and government closed on holidays. Still, banks made a number of significant announcements this holiday season. In many cases the timing of disclosures may have been driven by circumstance - regulators appeared eager to wrap up settlements by yearend.

The $2 billion-asset company is moving the headquarters of its mortgage banking and wealth management businesses to the Greater Richmond area, according to a Friday press release.

Kevin Miller resigned on Friday, effective immediately, the $839 million-asset company said in a regulatory filing.

Severn Bancorp (SVBI) in Annapolis, Md., will take a $4 million pretax charge in the fourth quarter after selling troubled loans.

State Bank Financial in Atlanta was able to fund an unexpected app for commercial clients because it took a fluid approach to budgeting. Other banks should take note of this approach.

CNB Financial (CCNE) in Clearfield, Pa., plans to sell up to $75 million in preferred and common stock.