IMGCAP(1)]

National Bank of Oak Harbor and Commodore Perry Federal Credit Union in Oak Harbor are providing low-interest loans to help spruce up downtown.

The Federal Reserve on Tuesday announced written agreements with three companies.

Washington Trust Bancorp Inc. in Westerly, R.I., said Tuesday that the chancellor of Johnson & Wales University has joined its board.

SVB Financial Group in Santa Clara, Calif., said Tuesday that it had completed a tender offer for its Silicon Valley Bank unit.

A week after revealing that a $23 million loss in the first quarter had dropped its equity below zero, BankAtlantic Bancorp Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said late Monday that it is pursuing a stock offering in hopes of raising $30 million in fresh capital.

There are lists you want to be on, say, Santa's for presents. And there are lists you don't, such as the informal one Wall Street puts together of banks that may be compelled to sell under duress.

Montana Democrat Jon Tester has been hit by attack ads protesting his bill to delay proposed debit interchange fee restrictions, but his close reelection race may ultimately help the bill.

Bank of the Carolinas has entered into a consent order with state and federal regulators in which it agreed to improve its credit quality and maintain its "well-capitalized" status.

The head of the American Bankers Association on Tuesday quickly reneged on his endorsement of Elizabeth Warren as director for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Banks often pull out all the stops to attract retailers as customers, but that doesn't mean they do such a great job of keeping them.

A week after revealing that a $23 million loss in the first quarter had dropped its equity below zero, BankAtlantic Bancorp Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said late Monday that it is pursuing a stock offering in hopes of raising $30 million in fresh capital.

A sharp increase in problem loans dragged down Porter Bancorp's profits in the first quarter.

Chartway Federal Credit Union in Virginia Beach has expanded in Utah With its acquisition Friday of the failed Utah Central Credit Union.

Norwood Financial Corp. in Honesdale, Pa., said Monday that it had received regulatory approval to acquire North Penn Bancorp Inc. in Scranton.

Georgia United Credit Union in Atlanta said Monday that it had completed its merger with State Employees Credit Union over the weekend.

First Niagara Financial Group in Buffalo is planning to add 500 new jobs over the next five years to support its rapid expansion.

Buoyed by strong loan growth, North Jersey Community Bank earned a record $1.5 million in the first quarter, up nearly 175% from the same period last year.

If 2010 was the year buyers returned to community bank M&A, this is shaping up to be the year sellers come to the table in earnest. With the return of premium valuations, weak loan demand, and new regulatory burdens, weary bankers are finding that the most appealing option is selling.