Hanmi Financial in Los Angeles reported strong quarterly results Thursday as it continues to explore a possible sale or merger.

Revenue from mortgage banking boosted profits at Taylor Capital Group in the fourth quarter.

Increased lending boosted quarterly results at Sandy Spring Bancorp in Olney, Md.

A recent BankThink post bemoans the one-size-fits-all application of Basel III. But the reason capital rules have become so sweeping is that banks have become bigger, more complex and more connected to the global economy.

JPMorgan Chase, the lender that lost more than $6.2 billion last year from wrong-way bets on credit derivatives, named Cindy Armine as chief compliance officer.

Loans and refinancings propelled Eagle Bancorp (EGBN) in Bethesda, Md., to its 16th consecutive profitable quarter.

Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) in Los Angeles reported earnings that were below expectations after expenses rose.

Banner Corp. (BANR) in Walla Walla, Wash., reported higher than expected earnings because of a surge in mortgage-banking income and service fees.

Loans and fees lifted Community National Bank in Great Neck, N.Y., in the fourth quarter.

Two dozen former mutual thrifts, including OmniAmerican, have reached or are nearing the end of a three-year ban from selling themselves. Let the M&A chatter begin.

Flushing Financial in Lake Success, N.Y., is set to convert to a bank.

Conversion activity has declined in recent years, though some observers believe mutual thrifts could find market conditions more accommodating in coming months.

Univest (UVSP) in Souderton, Pa., reported lower quarterly earnings because of higher expenses.

Trustmark (TRMK) in Jackson, Miss., posted double-digit quarterly earnings growth because of increased mortgage-banking activity and higher fee income.

Better credit quality helped Bank of Commerce (BONC) in Charlotte, N.C., narrow its losses.

BV Financial (BVFL) in Baltimore added profits in the company's fiscal second quarter.

Management expressed frustration about expense control during a conference call to discuss quarterly earnings.

Southwest Bancorp (OKSB) in Stillwater, Okla., reported higher earnings because of lower expenses, fewer loan losses and higher fee revenue.

Northfield Bancorp in Woodbridge, N.J., has completed the stock offering for its conversion to a fully public company.

It seems clear that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau believes balloon mortgages are not abusive or predatory. Why, then, does the rule so restrict their use?