UMB Financial Corp. (UMBF) in Kansas City, Mo., posted its 14th consecutive quarter of loan growth for the period ending Sept. 30.

Poage Bankshares (PBSK), in Ashland, Ky., has agreed to acquire its crosstown rival, Town Square Financial, for $14.7 million.

Bankers are devoting more attention than ever to regulatory compliance and cost-cutting, but they need to be careful not to let service suffer in the process, a panel of CEOs said Tuesday.

Analysts hammered Regions and Synovus for a rising cost base amid weak economic conditions, while Signature Bank in New York was given a pass since its revenues are growing faster than its expenses.

National Bank Holdings (NBHC) in Greenwood Village, Colo., has formed a division to specialize in government and nonprofit clients.

Severn Bancorp (SVBI) in Annapolis, Md., swung to large quarterly loss as it worked to restructure its balance sheet by selling off bad loans.

Great Southern Bancorp (GSBC) in Springfield, Mo., beat analysts' estimates in the third quarter by reducing expenses and improving credit quality.

FirstMerit Corp. (FMER) in Akron, Ohio, earned $40.7 million in the third quarter, up 16% from the same period a year ago, due largely to its recent acquisition of Citizens Republic Bancorp in Flint, Mich.

Foundations Bank in Pewaukee, Wis., has made it official with interim leader John Hazod.

The two cities join New York, L.A. and other cities in trying to force the banks that hold municipal deposits to make more loans in low-income neighborhoods. Some industry officials oppose them, while others welcome them.

Los Angeles-based Wilshire Bancorp (WIBC) said this week that it had a third-quarter profit of $11.3 million, largely due to steadily improving credit quality and net gains on loan sales.

Improved credit quality and steady loan yields helped Hanmi Financial Corp. (HAFC) post solid earnings in the third quarter.

Loan growth helped power BankUnited (BKU) in Miami Lakes, Fla., to a 9% rise in quarterly earnings.

Synovus Financial (SNV) reported a big increase in quarterly income, but missed estimates as interest income and mortgage banking revenue fell.

Northrim BanCorp (NRIM) in Anchorage, Alaska, has agreed to buy Alaska Pacific Bancshares (AKPB) in Juneau.

Heritage Oaks Bancorp (HEOP) in Paso Robles, Calif., has agreed to buy Mission Community Bancorp (MISN) in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Third-quarter earnings at Zions (ZION) more than tripled from a year earlier after the company bought back a series of preferred stock.

Pacific National Bank in Miami has found a buyer.

The cost to originate a home loan is skyrocketing as lenders try to comply with stricter rules to catch problem loans. Technology would better automate the loan process, but can small lenders justify the investment?

Northwest Bancshares (NWBI) in Warren, Pa., reported a 12% rise in quarterly earnings as its asset quality improved and its costs fell.