Board members at smaller banks tend to dismiss the importance of the annual self-assessment process. But as board governance attracts growing regulatory scrutiny, directors should embrace the chance to identify areas for improvement.

The mortgage industry has to prepare for a new breed of salesperson in millennials - that's if they can get them interested in the first place.

S&T Bancorp in Indiana, Pa., reported higher quarterly profit that benefited from loan growth and improved asset quality.

Cheviot Financial in Cincinnati has agreed to add a director recommended by activist investor Seidman Group.

First Guaranty Bancshares in Hammond, La., has filed for a $75 million initial public offering.

Bank of Hawaii in Honolulu reported higher quarterly profit due to strong loan growth.

The agency is now using Fincen guidance that was designed to make banks and credit unions more comfortable with the pot industry's risks. Such actions are encouraging more banks — but still not many — to do business with this emerging industry.

Iberiabank is excited to add equipment finance and an SBA lending platform when it buys Old Florida Bancshares. The deal also gives the Louisiana company its first branches in Orlando.

Profits rose at Bridge Bancorp in Bridgehampton, N.Y., on strong loan growth. The $2.2 billion-asset reported net income of $4.9 million in the third quarter, up 56% from a year earlier.

Independent Bank in Ionia, Mich., reported lower quarterly earnings due to margin pressure and a significantly higher tax expense.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., missed third-quarter earnings estimates, largely due to a steep increase in its loan loss provision.

Lakeland Financial in Warsaw, Ind., rode double-digit loan growth and credit-quality improvements to an 18% increase in profits.

Community banks have been steadily increasing their dealing in auto finance, an area with great potential and significant risk for unexperienced lenders.

Triumph Bancorp in Dallas is looking to raise $123 million through an initial public offering.

Hudson Valley Holding Corp. (HVB), a New York City-area lender with about $3.2 billion in assets, is exploring a sale, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Iberiabank in Lafayette, La., has agreed to acquire Old Florida Bancshares in Orlando.

Citizens Financial Group, releasing results for the first time since its initial public offering, said third-quarter profit rose 31% as the bank set aside less money for bad loans. The firm declared a 10-cent quarterly dividend.

These companies, featured on American Banker's Best Banks to Work For list, go beyond salaries and health benefits to make their employees feel valued at the office.

Avenue Bank's Ron Samuels says sports teach young people to work toward goals and manage their emotions — traits he likes to see in employees.

Some banks are coming up with creative strategies for dealing with the rising cost of health care, from on-site clinics to full-time wellness coordinators. They also are softening the blow of high-deductible plans by phasing them in and contributing to employees' Health Savings Accounts.