Monterey Credit Union could be the first credit union to convert since mid-2013. Management hopes the move will allow it to make more small-business loans, while providing greater access to capital.

Porter Bancorp in Louisville, Ky., is rearranging some of its capital with an eye toward improving common equity and perhaps making its pursuit of additional funds easier.

Banks need to showcase a reputable culture — and competitive compensation packages — to seal the deal with top talent.

ViewPoint Financial is on the verge of finalizing its $300 million acquisition of LegacyTexas Group, a deal that was delayed two times.

Anchor Bancorp in St. Paul, Minn., has agreed to buy VFSC in Eden Prairie, Minn.

Activist investor Joseph Stilwell is threatening to fight yet another proxy battle against Harvard Illinois Bancorp.

Deborah Wright, who is set to retire as Carver's CEO at year-end, says the New York bank is preparing new products to reach underserved parts of the city. While she says community development banks should merge, Carver has no immediately plans to roll them up.

Bank directors and officers who agree to settle claims brought by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. in its capacity as receiver may find themselves next confronting a lifetime ban from the industry.

M&T Bancorp in Buffalo, N.Y., has once again delayed its planned purchase of Hudson City Bancorp in Paramus, N.J.

Centrue Financial in Ottawa, Ill., has sold $35.2 million in classified loans and other assets.

Amid huge regulatory pressure to strengthen anti-money-laundering controls, banks are grappling with a shortage of compliance talent.

With some proposals still outstanding, mortgage bond market participants are concerned that eminent domain attempts would spread if a municipality makes inroads with a proposal.

Mortgage lending, particularly for bigger banks, cooled some in October as home buying season ended. Meanwhile, loan pricing deteriorated again, showing that lenders are still cutting rates to land the best credits.

SmartFinancial in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has agreed to merge with Cornerstone Bancshares in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Iberiabank Corp. in Lafayette, La., will enter the Atlanta market, agreeing to buy Georgia Commerce Bancshares.

The end of the year is a busy time for closing bank acquisitions — at least buyers are hoping that is the case. With the average deal taking about 120 days to complete, there are plenty of banks anxiously awaiting a call from regulators.

A recap of the informed opinions (and the discussions they generated) on BankThink this week.

Hampton Roads Bankshares in Virginia Beach, Va., has agreed to pay $200,000 to address an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission into the company's accounting practices.

Border Bancshares in Greenbush, Minn., has agreed to buy full ownership of First Advantage Bank in Coon Rapids, Minn.

United Labor Bank in Oakland, Calif., has a new name.