All banks, regardless of size, must invest more in technology despite shareholder pressure to cut costs, said Victor Nichols, a former CIO at Wells Fargo and current director at Bank of Hawaii.

BNC Bancorp in High Point, N.C., has filed to sell up to $150 million in securities. The $3.7 billion-asset company said in a filing Tuesday that it could issue common and preferred stock, debt securities and other securities from time to time.

Northwest Bancshares in Warren, Pa., has promoted two executives and eliminated a pair of high-level positions.

First Bancorp in Southern Pines, N.C., will close 10 branches in three states.

Mid Penn Bancorp in Millersburg, Pa., has agreed to buy Phoenix Bancorp in Minersville, Pa.

Premara Financial in Charlotte, N.C., has named an interim president after the abrupt departure of its long-time leader.

First Business Financial Services in Madison, Wis., is relying on a subordinated debt sale to foot the cash portion of its pending acquisition.

Boards at community banks are being asked to have greater oversight of cybersecurity issues as data breaches continue to mount. The challenge is balancing such work with other demands.

Premier Financial in Huntington, W.Va., is planning to redeem preferred stock tied to the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

The $184 billion-asset company said in a press release Wednesday that Ricky Brown had taken the reins at Branch Bank & Trust.

Flagstar Bancorp is negotiating with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over potential violations in the Troy, Mich., company's default servicing business.

Blackhawk Bancorp in Beloit, Wis., has a new president.

Sen. Richard Shelby isn't new to Banking Committee leadership, but he would face a crucial ticking clock if he returns as chairman of the panel next year.

Sound Community Bank in Seattle has acquired three branches on the Olympic Peninsula from Columbia Bank in Tacoma, Wash.

A year ago, bank executives were taking a hard look at credit cards — if they didn't offer one, they were seriously considering it; and if they already offered a card, they wanted to boost its profile. The moves have paid off with huge growth rates.

Capital Bancorp in Rockville, Md., has raised $5 million in senior debt financing. The $547 million-asset company obtained the financing only through local investors and without institutional investors, it said in a Tuesday press release.

Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa., disclosed that regulators may not take action against it for alleged non-compliance with certain laws.

Pride, greed, sloth and envy are just a few of the potential stumbling blocks in the management of banks' bond portfolios, writes David G. Barnes.

Many banks are aggressively closing branches to cut costs. Those banks must be mindful about branches in moderate- and low-income neighborhoods or risk downgrades after their next Community Reinvestment Act examination.