Huntington Bancshares in Columbus, Ohio, has sold an office in the city to Telhio Credit Union for $2.5 million.

By targeting construction lending, 1st Financial Bank USA aims to expand beyond its hefty concentration in credit card loans while entering a business segment that has shrunk mightily since the financial crisis.

The company said in a press release Thursday that it redeemed preferred shares worth $76.46 million that were issued under the program to the Treasury Department.

Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin addressed speculation about a possible presidential bid during a speech to the Wisconsin Bankers Association.

Allan Landon, the White House's pick to fill a vacancy on the Federal Reserve Board, likely faces some challenges ahead during the nomination process, including skepticism over whether he's really a community banker and about a particular transaction a decade ago.

Potential buyers have long been wary of high premiums and the potential for volatility in the energy sector. A harsh correction in oil prices and Texas bank pricing has suddenly given those banks a chance to revisit their views.

Guaranty Bancshares in Mount Pleasant, Texas, has agreed to buy DCB Financial in Dallas.

Security First Bank in Fresno, Calif., has a new president.

Home BancShares in Conway, Ark., has named a new chief for its banking unit.

An index of late-payment rates hit a record low in the third quarter, as consumer spent less to fill their gas tanks.

The $8.9 billion-asset company said in a statement provided to American Banker on Wednesday that it plans to use the capital to support future growth.

Leaders of smaller banks optimistic about the growth prospects of small-business loans in 2015, but they are equally worried about increased competition from larger banks, nonbanks and credit unions.

The founder and chairman of 1st Century Bank in Los Angeles has been named to chair the city's tourism and convention board.

SBT Bancorp in Simsbury, Conn., moved its shares on Wednesday to a new OTC Markets Group trading platform.

The Green Mountain State is home to businesses and consumers who march to a different drummer, and Brattleboro Savings & Loan's new checking account promotion seeks to appeal to that independent spirit.

Hamilton Bancorp in Towson, Md., has a new chairman.

Heritage Oaks Bancorp in Paso Robles, Calif., has hired a veteran banker to fill a newly created post.

The White House announced Tuesday that it will nominate academic and former community banker Allan Landon to one of the two vacancies on the Federal Reserve Board.