Sterling Bancorp in Montebello, N.Y., has sold its mortgage business to Freedom Mortgage of Mount Laurel, N.J., for an undisclosed price.

The $58 million-asset company said in a press release Monday that Stephen Taylor, chairman and chief executive of Taylor Asset Management in Chicago, is leading a $6 million investment in its Neighborhood National Bank, effectively doubling its capital.

Alamogordo Financial in New Mexico has kicked into gear its plans to convert from a mutual to a fully shareholder-owned company.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has downgraded the Community Reinvestment Act rating for BancorpSouth in Tupelo, Miss.

Investors Bancorp in Short Hills, N.J., has joined the ranks of banks flagged by regulators for Bank Secrecy Act issues.

The $359 million-asset Merchants said in a press release Friday that Rocco Del Vecchio will succeed Anthony Biondi as chief executive on Aug. 22. Biondi is retiring after 12 years on the job.

United Community and Wells Fargo are among the banks building platforms to lend to senior-care facilities. Demographics suggest the business should grow significantly in coming years.

Online alternative financing can be an efficient source of capital for small businesses, but it can also be predatory, especially to unaware and inexperienced borrowers.

Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa., plans to sell $50 million in common stock.

Farmers Capital Bank in Frankfort, Ky., will consolidate its four banks under a single charter.

CNB Financial in Clearfield, Pa., has picked a veteran director to be its next chairman, the sixth in the company's 32-year history.

The $3.4 billion-asset company said in a press release that the division will offer a variety of SBA products.

A new exam handbook released by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is sparking concerns that the agency is quietly expanding heightened regulatory guidelines meant for larger banks to smaller institutions.

Meta Financial Group in Sioux Falls, S.D., has expansion in mind, citing M&A and other growth-related pursuits as the reasons behind a $75 million debt issuance.

Old Line Bancshares in Bowie, Md., has issued $35 million in subordinated debt to help pay for an acquisition and for growth moves down the road.

Many energy lenders are paring back exposure to the energy sector, creating opportunities for banks like First Horizon and Bank of the Ozarks.

Carrie Dolan steps down as CFO of Lending Club. All eyes are on Marissa Mayer's next move as the Yahoo-Verizon deal plays out — and speaking of women righting ships: Mary Hines talks about reviving Citi's loyalty program.

A Federal Housing Finance Agency rule that will force some members of the Federal Home Loan Bank System out next year is likely to have a material effect on several of the cooperative institutions.