MIDDLE ATLANTIC

When it comes to state legislation, bankers often find themselves playing more defense than offense - and that pattern is expected to continue in the coming year.

The asset-size thresholds that determine an institution's Community Reinvestment Act obligations were adjusted for inflation Wednesday by the federal banking agencies.

Dozens of banks have opened in Texas in the last decade, but San Antonio is one market that has proved difficult to crack.

State Bancorp Inc. in Jericho, N.Y., said Friday it had raised $36 million in a private placement that will restore it to well-capitalized status.

Hancock Holding Co. in Gulfport, Miss., raised some eyebrows last week when it appointed two chief executive officers to replace its retiring CEO, but company officials insist the move merely embodies its team approach to managing.

Citizens and Northern Corp. in Wellsboro, Pa., has made a deal to buy another community bank with the Citizens moniker.

Community Banks Inc. in Harrisburg, Pa., and Rurban Financial Corp. in Defiance, Ohio, said Friday that they are cutting costs to help offset the adverse impact of the inverted yield curve.

Pocahontas Bancorp Inc. in Jonesboro, Ark., said it plans to restate certain line items in its 2004 and 2005 financial reports and that previous reports should not be relied upon.

Washington Banking Co. in Oak Harbor, Wash., is cutting its work force in an effort to improve performance.

Dell Inc. chief financial officer James Schneider is leaving the computer maker to join a start-up Texas banking company.

First Financial Bancorp of Hamilton, Ohio, said Thursday that fourth-quarter earnings would fall well below analysts' estimates because of an increase in its loan-loss provision and continued charges relating to a corporate restructuring and rebranding.

First Niagara Financial Group Inc. in Lockport, N.Y., said Thursday that it has promoted Michael W. Harrington from senior vice president and treasurer to chief financial officer.

Two more companies have opted to sell securities to reposition their balance sheets, and a third said the impact of a previously announced restructuring would not be as severe as anticipated.

Two New Jersey banks owned by the $14.9 billion-asset Fulton Financial Corp. in Lancaster, Pa., said Wednesday that they intend to merge.

Western Alliance Bancorp in Las Vegas has significantly boosted market share in its hometown with two acquisitions this year, and now it has turned its attention to Nevada's second-largest city.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC

Central Banco. in Jefferson City, Mo., has agreed to buy 21st Century Financial Services Co. in Tulsa, Okla., for about $66.1 million in cash, or $100 per share.