TowneBank (TOWN) in Suffolk, Va., has agreed to buy Franklin Financial (FRNK) in Richmond, Va.

Wintrust Financial (WTFC) in Rosemont, Ill., reported higher quarterly earnings as income from loan growth offset lower fee revenue.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago is launching a pilot program soon to buy home loans and issue Ginnie Mae securities. The program could allow community banks and credit unions to stay in the mortgage business.

Pan Pacific Bank (PPFC) in Fremont, Calif., reported a spike in quarterly earnings after reclaiming its deferred-tax asset.

Jefferson Bankshares in Oldsmar, Fla., has raised $2.4 million.

More small banks are engaging on social media and are finding ways to highlight their community involvement, promote their personalities and better connect with customers.

Doral Financial (DRL) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has agreed to sell roughly $825 million of assets to Abbey Finance Holdings PR.

Independence Bancshares (IEBS) in Greenville, S.C., will need to raise more capital to fund its development of new payments platforms.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp (BHLB) in Pittsfield, Mass., and its Berkshire Bank have changed charters.

First Bancshares (FBMS) in Hattiesburg, Miss., has redeemed preferred stock BCB Holding in Mobile, Ala., issued to the Treasury Department under the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Northwest Bank in Boise, Idaho, has agreed to buy Regal Financial Bank in Seattle.

The Bancorp (TBBK) in Wilmington, Del., is looking to sell up to $50 million in common stock.

Hanmi Financial (HAFC) in Los Angeles has sold two insurance businesses Chunha Holding in Garden Grove, Calif.

Blue Hills Bancorp in Norwood, Mass., has received significant demand for its planned stock sale.

Signature Bank (SBNY) in New York has created a pair of nationwide lending offices, focusing on restaurant franchises and the commercial marine industry.

Dozens of insurers have sold off their banks in recent years, with just a handful choosing to remain in the business. Mutual of Omaha Bank is committed to building a traditional community banking culture with its parent company's backing.

C1 Financial in St. Petersburg, Fla., is going public.

QNB Corp. (QNBC) in Quakertown, Pa., is looking to replace its chief financial officer.

JPMorgan Chase (JPM) has partnered with Liberty Bank in Detroit to offer financing to homebuyers interested in restoration of the city's run-down properties.

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