The rule, set for 2018 implementation, would force companies to record gains and losses from equity investments on their income statements. That should create volatility for 50 to 70 institutions, mostly mutuals, that have such investments.

Eagle Bancorp in Bethesda, Md., has hired four bankers to a develop a business line making Federal Housing Administration-insured loans for multifamily rental properties.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., will cut about 10% of its workforce and cancel contracts for redundant systems and services.

M&A momentum is building, even among larger banks that have been sidelined for years.

Merchants Bancshares in South Burlington, Vt., has named an interim principal financial officer after its chief financial officer resigned.

Live Oak Bancshares in Wilmington, N.C., one of the largest 7(a) program lenders in the U.S. last year, has promoted Greg Thompson to chief operating officer.

Associated Banc-Corp in Green Bay, Wis., will increase its fourth-quarter allowance for loan losses by $13 million to compensate for potential late payments or defaults on loans in its energy portfolio.

Patriot National Bancorp in Stamford, Conn., said that its chief financial officer resigned this week and that it has hired a former Connecticut community bank executive to replace her.

A compilation of our favorite stories of 2015, as selected by the people who assigned and edited them.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board is giving a handful of community banks a chance to explain why a plan to change the accounting for loan losses will result in major hardship. The proposal would force banks to record a loan-loss provision once a loan is originated, rather than when a loss becomes probable.

For all the attention nonbank fintech firms get, they still have a long way to go before winning over key customer segments, such as business banking customers.

A recent tax change will provide more stability to banks and developers that use the low-income housing tax credit program, and the supply of below-market-rate apartments should increase as a result. But it's not enough to create the economic incentives needed to meet skyrocketing demand for affordable housing in the U.S.

Ohio Valley Banc Corp. in Gallipolis, Ohio, has agreed to buy Milton Bancorp in Wellston, Ohio. The $808 million-asset Ohio Valley said it will pay about $20 million in cash and stock for the parent of Milton Banking Co.

First Express of Nebraska in Gering and First Wyoming Bancorp. in Laramie have agreed to merge. The companies did not disclose the price of the deal, which is expected to close by mid-2016.

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Some lenders have asked whether the bureau would adjust its so-called resubmission guidelines — which determine whether lenders have to refile data based on errors found in samples — and it has responded with a request for further industry input.

Bank of Oak Ridge in Oak Ridge, N.C., has a successor for its departing president and chief executive.

Mascoma Savings Bank in Lebanon, N.H., is looking for a new chief executive.

Joseph Chillura, CEO of the $3.5 billion-asset USAmeriBank, runs a privately held company that should be an ideal candidate for industry consolidation. While trying to keep an open mind, Chillura seems intent on staying on the sidelines as other Florida banks strike deals.

Sen. Richard Shelby's bill changing how regulators gauge if a bank is "systemic" would refocus post-crisis policy on institutions that pose the greatest threat.