They look great on paper, but mergers of equals are always difficult to integrate due to cultural issues. United Financial in Glastonbury, Conn., is learning that lesson with Jeff Sullivan's departure less than six weeks after the company's merger with Rockville Financial.

Capital One's decision to ditch coin-counting machines from its Washington-area branches is either a brilliant move to save money, or is a surefire way to anger customers who like the convenience of using the machines. It has stimulated surprising debate in an electronic age, but it's all about attempts to redefine the bank branch.

Astoria Financial has shifted its attention away from residential mortgages to becoming a full-service bank that offers business banking and commercial real estate loans.

Bank of the Carolinas (BCAR) in Mocksville, N.C., has significantly increased its number of authorized shares at it looks to meet capital requirements tied to a regulatory order.

CU Bancorp (CUNB) in Encino, Calif., has agreed to buy 1st Enterprise Bank (FENB) in Los Angeles.

E-commerce and payments companies are edging into the small-business lending territory long dominated by banks. If banks want to stay relevant, they need a simpler, speedier lending process.

Independent Bank Group (IBTX) in McKinney, Texas, has agreed to buy Houston City Bancshares.

First BanCorp (FBP) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has resolved a large outstanding loan to Doral Financial (DRL) by taking on $242 million on mortgages that were used as collateral for the loan.

Peter Setaro, the chief information officer for First National Bank of the Gulf Coast, is stocking branches with free wifi and Kindles for customers to use.

Central Pacific Financial (CPF) in Honolulu has appointed Raymond Wilson as its chief risk officer.

A key member of United Financial Bancorp's management team has departed a month after the company's merger with Rockville Financial.

Downs, Kan., has had two locally based banks for many years, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s website. One dates to 1892, and the other to 1919.

A group of investment firms has forced American Bancorp. into liquidation over unpaid trust-preferred debt. Creditors have threatened to go this route before but this is the first time any have followed through, serving as an ominous precedent for the up to 300 banks in danger of defaulting on the hybrid securities.

Mercantile Bank (MBWM) in Grand Rapids, Mich., has finally completed its acquisition of Firstbank (FBMI) in Alma, Mich.

Innovative branch design and technology won't win the day alone. Finding the right manager and staff is still the key factor in creating a thriving branch.

Astoria Federal Savings (AF) in Lake Success, N.Y., has changed its name to Astoria Bank.

Los Alamos National Bank in New Mexico named community banking veteran John S. Gulas as its next chief executive officer.

Banks that drive customers away with pre-recession practices should clean up their act or get ready for competitors to use their missteps against them.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is reportedly seeking approval to form a bank and buy Valley Bank in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.