The Paramus, N.J., thrift decided to sell itself to M&T for a relatively low price rather than keep trying to overcome its reliance on low interest rates. That was bad news for the countless small banks attempting similar reboots.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has issued an enforcement order against Citizens First National Bank that requires the Princeton, Ill., bank to become adequately capitalized or sell itself.

Most of the program's participants are increasing business loans, though some are having to reduce lending rates to book the best loans.

The regulatory risk from Basel III, Dodd-Frank and other pressures will keep banks from growing, and the economy can't grow, if banks don't.

Jacksonville Bancorp (JAXB) plans to raise up to $50 million by selling securities to a group of investors led by the Florida company's biggest shareholder.

Offer each retail customer the best terms for which he qualifies—and not just for mortgages. Don't count on a second chance to bargain or risk the legal and reputational consequences of offering less than your best.

Independent Bank in Rockland, Mass., has filed a shelf registration to raise up to $125 million.

Tight budgets and industry upheaval have bankers and their lobbyists planning to keep low profiles in Tampa and Charlotte.

First National Community Bancorp in Dunmore, Pa., reported a bigger loss for the first six months of the year compared with 2011 largely because of lower noninterest income.

Community banks should exploit their advantages based on convenience, personal service, local decision making and a relationship model reliant on deep customer knowledge.

The selloff in Treasuries that extended through much of this month underscores the dangers of adding exposure to long-dated bonds, but both large and small banks have been doing just that in recent quarters. Use this interactive graphic to examine the maturity profiles holding companies with at least $1 billion in assets.

Hamilton Bank in Baltimore has received regulatory approval to take the second step to a stock-owned company from a mutual holding company.

Kentucky First Federal Bancorp (KFFB) is seeking to waive its right to receive a dividend despite lingering uncertainty as to whether regulators will allow mutual holding companies to make that move.

About 6,000 U.S. banks, including those as small as $500 million in assets, are required to implement the "standardized" approach in Basel III. Ernst & Young's Peter Davis discusses the extent of the changes they face.

The Treasury Department recouped $62.4 million in its latest auction of the securities it owns from the Troubled Asset Relief Program, but it was unable to find a buyer for shares Guaranty Federal Bancshares in Springfield, Mo.

Federal agencies intervened in the private student-loan market during the financial crisis and could play a future role, said Rohit Chopra, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's student-loan ombudsman.

The FDIC is appealing a ruling that barred it from pursuing simple negligence claims against officers and directors of a failed bank. If the agency loses, it could have a difficult time replenishing the Deposit Insurance Fund.

The Regulation Room, run by Cornell University, allows the public another opportunity to weigh in about Consumer Financial Protection Bureau policies.

Sponsor town festivals, youth sports and local families in need or volunteer at local charities or for community projects.

The Federal Reserve Board has terminated a written agreement with Valley Financial that required the Roanoke, Va., company to serve as a source of strength for its bank.