Because of much higher share insurance costs for credit unions than for community banks, credit unions will likely find it more difficult to remain competitive.

While states like Washington and Oregon have had their share of failures, there have been several deals to save larger struggling banks there, too. Add Cascade Financial Corp. in Everett, Wash., to that pile.

The steering tactics many bankers have suggested retailers will try under the Durbin interchange rule are unlikely to work — if merchants try them at all, payments experts said.

Cornerstone Bancshares Inc. in Chattanooga, Tenn., said Friday that losses narrowed 42.1% in 2010. The $440 million-asset company posted a $4.7 million loss for the year, compared with an $8.2 million loss in 2009.

A spike in credit costs in the fourth quarter led United Security Bancshares in Fresno, Calif., to post a $2.9 million loss for 2010.

Sterling Bancorp in New York City said Friday that it plans to sell $33.6 million of common stock in a public offering.

Georgia's troubled banking situation leaves a lot of open targets for the few banks — like Hamilton State Bancshares in Hoschton — in position to buy.

If big banks get 75% less interchange, and small banks keep today's interchange rates, the small banks can charge lower fees, pay more interest, and give richer rewards.

Opus Bank in Irvine, which raised $460 million of equity late last year, said it would acquire the $1.5 billion-asset Cascade Financial in Everett, Wash., for $21.75 million in cash.

Opus Bank in Irvine, which raised $460 million of equity late last year, said it would acquire the $1.5 billion-asset Cascade Financial in Everett, Wash., for $21.75 million in cash.

Patriot National announced that it is selling the majority of its nonperforming assets at a discount as it tries to right-size itself and move on from its problems.

Patriot National announced that it is selling the majority of its nonperforming assets at a discount as it tries to right-size itself and move on from its problems.

Georgia's troubled banking situation leaves a lot of open targets for the few banks — like Hamilton State Bancshares in Hoschton — in position to buy.

Metro Bank in Lemoyne, Pa., has agreed to drop its red M logo to settle a trademark lawsuit brought by Members 1st Federal Credit Union.

The Bancorp Inc. in Wilmington, Del., announced the pricing for a common stock offering designed to raise $50.3 million.

The $1.4 billion-asset company said Wednesday that it received notice from the Nasdaq on Monday that it is in compliance with listing requirements just shy of a March 10 deadline.

The Federal Reserve has ordered Outsource Holdings Inc. to serve as a source of strength to its Dallas bank.

Summit Bank in Prescott, Ariz., has put itself up for sale after its board determined it would not be able to raise enough capital to satisfy a regulatory order.

For the last year, Flagstar's been talking about diversifying its mortgage-heavy portfolio with commercial credits. With credit problems now waning, that push is moving forward.

Projections for losses in target loan portfolios in recent deals were in league with markdowns taken against Wachovia and Nat City in late 2008, when the economy was in freefall.