Kearny Bank in New Jersey and four other banks were struggling to manage escrow accounts where the rules vary widely between industries and states, so they teamed up on a tech solution.

Mike Butler will also become president of the de novo, which focuses on technology companies and venture capital firms.

Mike Daniels has been president and CEO of Nicolet's bank since 2015.

The community banks join a growing list of banking companies closing locations as customer preferences shift to digital channels.

The Dallas company will pay nearly $54 million for a 49% stake in a lender that operates in 10 states.

The $56 million acquisition will extend Southern California Bancorp's footprint north of Los Angeles.

The Massachusetts community bank, which rebranded last summer, landed on affiliate marketing as one cost-effective way of attracting choice customers to its business checking and crypto banking capabilities.

The Senate Banking Committee chairman told an audience of community bankers that he supports legislation to close "chartering loopholes" for industrial loan companies and financial technology firms. He also pitched a plan to give all consumers a free digital wallet backed by the Federal Reserve.

The Missouri company announced the deal just five months after buying Seacoast Commerce in San Diego.

The proposed acquisition is the second deal in as two days to involve an Atlanta-based seller.

Bankers say the federal tax exemption for credit unions costs U.S. taxpayers $2 billion each year. But eliminating it would prevent the not-for-profit financial institutions from channeling their savings into higher rates and lower fees that stimulate commerce — and generate additional tax income.

The Illinois companies agreed to merge in a transaction that is expected to close later this year.

The company promoted Bob Fehlman to become its president and hired Jay Brogdon from Stephens Inc. to succeed Fehlman as chief financial officer.

The Georgia company agreed to pay $84 million for a bank with nine branches and $715 million of assets.

The deal would be Independent's sixth since 2015 and would continue a wave of consolidation among Boston-area banks.

The Maryland company is closer to addressing claims it lacked sufficient controls under its previous management.

Clarity on credit quality has bankers ready to strike deals after a lengthy pause. A steady rise in stock prices has also given potential buyers the financial wherewithal to pursue acquisitions.

Queensborough National Bank and Trust in Georgia is one of several banks aiming to recruit tech-savvy interns through a network of universities and fintech companies.

Rhodium BA Holdings said it has proposed paying a higher price to disrupt the banking company's proposed sale to DLP Real Estate Capital.

Wells Fargo wants to use the real-time payments network being developed by the Federal Reserve for 24/7 liquidity management. The online-only First Internet Bank aims to use it to help customers manage their bills and cash flow.