Its purpose was to study what consumers know about dispute resolution clauses. This is particularly important because most checking accountholders are covered by these clauses and may not be aware of them.

Michael Tierney's challenge next year at Flagstar Bancorp is twofold: find ways to go on the offensive while continuing to resolve lingering issues at the Michigan company.

The credit might have been "gold-gilded," but it did not make sense, the first test that a credit must pass.

Dan Bass has left FBR Capital Markets to establish an investment banking platform at Performance Trust Capital Partners.

Oneida Financial in New York is expanding its insurance business with its purchase of McMahon, Fenaroli and White, which operates Schenectady Insuring Agency in Schenectady.

Every banker is under scrutiny, but last year we pegged 10 executives as potential news makers for 2012. Some made big headlines; others seemed to get through the year without making much noise. Here is a recap.

S&T Bancorp in Indiana, Pa., has named two banking veterans to leadership roles.

The Bancorp in Wilmington, Del., plans to raise $50 million through a common stock offering.

Fulton Financial has agreed to sell a payments business to Canadian group.

A yearlong FDIC research project charts the impact of consolidation and other pressures on small banks, but suggests continued viability for the sector.

Institution for Savings in Newburyport opened a branch in a Topsfield, Mass., high school after a large bank left and explains why its move is good business.

Although this initial phase of the program may seem beneficial as it seeks to keep European competitors honest, enforced convergence is a double-edged sword that raises worrisome issues for our country.

In its first-year progress report on community banks, the FDIC details how it is responding to specific complaints outlined by institutions at roundtables earlier this year.

Albert Celini will supervise credit, operational and market risk management for the unit of the $3.1 billion-asset Sun Bancorp.

Armed with $350 million in capital and an expanded infrastructure, the CEO of National Bank in Colorado will be on the hunt for acquisitions in the new year.

Umpqua Bank has lured a veteran executive from First Horizon National Corporation (FHN) to lead its efforts to improve customers' experiences.

First Bank & Trust in Brookings, S.D., has agreed to buy a prepaid card portfolio from Inter National Bank in McAllen, Texas. First Bank did not disclose the price it will pay for the $21 million portfolio.

Arvest Bank, the nation's third-largest privately held bank, agreed to buy 29 branches from Bank of America (BAC).

Community Trust Financial of Ruston, La., has received a $45 million investment from Pine Brook, a New York private-equity firm, the two firms announced Monday.

Bankia SA, the largest Spanish bank due to receive a European bailout, plans to seek buyers for its Florida unit early next year in a sale that may fetch at least $500 million, people with knowledge of the matter said.