Harvard Illinois Bancorp shareholders have approved an agreement to sell the company, a big step toward a plan to wind down operations.

As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finishes regulations dealing with mortgage data reporting, a similar set of requirements for small business loans is waiting in the wings.

Union Federal Savings & Loan Association and First Federal Savings & Loan Association, two mutuals in Kewanee, Ill., have agreed to merge.

First NBC Bank Holding in New Orleans has agreed to raise its purchase price for State Investors Bancorp and has delayed the targeted completion date.

The 50 banks that earned a spot on our third annual ranking of the Best Banks to Work For take their fun seriously. Check out which banks made the list and take away some great ideas for creating a happier workplace of your own.

Premier Financial Bancorp in Huntington, W.Va., has received a $12 million loan from First Guaranty Bancshares in Hammond, La.

Western Nebraska Bank in Curtis will buy a branch in Paxton, Neb., from Pony Express Community Bank.

First Financial Northwest is moving past its thrift roots three years after a proxy battle ousted its chief executive. Other banks in the same position are still trying to get back on track.

OceanFirst Financial in Toms River, N.J., has agreed to buy a branch office in its hometown from Provident Financial Services.

Companies miss the mark when they try to woo top talent with tantalizing perks rather than a meaningful workplace culture.

First Financial Bancorp. in Cincinnati has issued $120 million in subordinated debt and plans to use the proceeds for potential stock repurchases and to support growth.

Oak Valley Bancorp in Oakdale, Calif., has agreed to buy Mother Lode Bank in Sonora, Calif.

Even if stock losses cause the Fed to delay tightening, it won't be a catastrophe for banks' future earnings, according to a study of analysts' forecasts. Margins were not expected to balloon even if the Fed did act.

BankMobile, the fee-free, digital-only offshoot of Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa., is launching a technology development division called BankMobile Technologies.

Avadian Credit Union in Birmingham, Ala., has agreed to buy American Bank of Huntsville in Alabama.

If you want your bank to be one of the best to work for, you can pick up a lot of pointers from those in our third annual ranking.

Eagle Bancorp Montana in Helena has appointed a building contractor and real estate developer to its board.

Northfield Bancorp in Woodbridge, N.J., has agreed to buy Hopewell Valley Community Bank in Pennington, N.J.

Last year's No. 1 on our list of best places to work is this year's top scorer as well. From providing free Friday lunches to paying the full cost of health insurance, few do as much for employees as this niche lender.

Maggie Cancelino has worked in the banking industry for three decades, but says her six years with HomeBanc in Tampa have been the best. "When I go to work in the morning, I have a smile on my face," says Cancelino, manager of a branch in coastal Belleair. "We're happy, contented bankers. We're professional, but we can still have fun."