Anchor Bancorp in Lacey, Wash., which has been facing pressure from a prominent activist investor to sell itself, has hired an investment bank to explore strategic options.

Problem technology credits drove down quarterly profits at Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., which said it will pull back on tech lending even though that had become one of its most important niches.

Lakeland Financial Corp. in Warsaw, Ind., said its second-quarter profit rose 13% to $12.8 million on loan and deposit growth and higher net interest income.

First South Bancorp in Washington, N.C., has acquired a portfolio of mortgage servicing rights.

EverBank Financial, the largest bank based in Florida by deposits, is exploring a sale after receiving interest from a potential suitor, according to people familiar with the matter.

Regulators sought to limit improper contact between lenders and appraisers, but policies of the two mortgage giants encourage the kind of practices that contributed to the housing crisis.

Regulators are removing several items from call reports, including details on troubled-debt restructurings and loss-share portfolios. Bankers are pleased, but the absence of certain data could frustrate outsiders.

Waterstone Financial reported a 71% year-over-year jump in net income during the second quarter thanks to growth in its mortgage banking division.

Bank of Hawaii in Honolulu reported higher quarterly profit that reflected deposit growth.

Citizens Bank in Elizabethton, Tenn., has agreed to buy American Trust Bank of East Tennessee in Knoxville.

Eagle Bancorp in Bethesda, Md., has issued $150 million in subordinated debt after increasing the amount it originally planned to sell.

Several core processing vendors with mobile-age platforms have sprung up in the past year. Making a lasting mark in a field dominated by entrenched vendors will take time.

Second-quarter earnings at Cathay General Bancorp in Los Angeles fell 22.9% to $34.8 million from a year earlier on a triple-digit spike in chargeoffs.

LegacyTexas Financial Group in Plano has met its original purpose of becoming a big player in its home market.

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Banc of California's second-quarter profits soared on stronger lending and credit quality. The $10.2 billion-asset company increased net income 66% from a year earlier to $26.5 million, it said in a news release Thursday.

BNC Bancorp in High Point, N.C., plans to raise about $55 million through a common stock offering.

A progressive group is up in arms against Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., after the possible Democratic vice presidential nominee signed letters calling on regulators to tailor rules for community banks.

North Carolina's second-biggest community bank agreed to sell itself at a rich premium, signaling that the state has become an attractive market for acquirers. Adding an out-of-state bank could also create opportunities for *locals* to poach business.

Boston Private Financial Holdings on Thursday reported a lower second- quarter profit amid broader declines in its wealth management business.