Merchant Bank in Winona, Minn., plans to buy two branches from Associated Banc-Corp (ASBC) in Green Bay, Wis.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. took regulatory actions against nine banks and freed 22 banks from orders in July, according to an enforcement update released Friday.

A recap of the informed opinions (and the discussions they generated) on BankThink this week.

Commonwealth Business Bank (CWBB) in Los Angeles has added veteran banker Alvin Kang to its board.

First Financial Northwest in Washington ousted a longtime CEO, while HopFed Bancorp in Kentucky seated an outsider on its board and canceled an acquisition, under pressure from activist shareholders. More banks can expect similar fights.

The thought of leaving their century-old headquarters didn't appeal to execs at MidWestOne, but neither did a makeover during the height of the recession. They're finally free to give their office space some overdue updates.

American Banker readers share their views on the most pressing banking topics of the week. As excerpted from the Comments sections of AmericanBanker.com articles.

The chief risk officer of Scotiabank in Toronto is retiring, prompting several senior management changes.

Independent Bank in Ionia, Mich., is back on track with payments on its trust preferred stock.

WSFS Financial in Wilmington, Del., has repurchased preferred shares it issued the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Columbia Commercial Bancorp (CLBC) in Hillsboro, Ore., has completed a $6.6 million capital raise through a private placement offering.

Citizens Bank of Northern Kentucky has named Stephen Brunson its president and chief executive, replacing interim chief David Van Horn, who remains a director.

The acquisitive Prosperity Bancshares in Houston is set to slow its growth following a deal for Tulsa's F&M.

The banking industry enjoyed a second consecutive record quarterly profit in the three months through June, according to the FDIC. But lower unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities sparked concerns about future risks from rising interest rates.

Retail giant Target is touting its success with a debit card that poses a threat to banks, but it's unclear whether other merchants will be able to follow suit.

The Federal Reserve Board has released Raton Capital in Raton, N.M., from an enforcement action.

Superior Bancshares in Hazelwood, Mo., has reportedly agreed to sell a 40% stake in itself to an investor group.

Premier Commercial Bank in Greensboro, N.C., has held a beach-theme office party, brown-bag lunches on weighty matters like the cost of health insurance, and other special events to stand out in its market. It works.

Regional banks are expected to see a huge drop-off in mortgage originations over the second half of 2013 as interest rates continue to rise.

Dwight Utz, who is leaving VantageSouth in North Carolina five months after it bought his bank, says he is looking for CEO jobs Virginia, Maryland or Pennsylvania.