American Banker readers share their views on the most pressing banking topics of the week. As excerpted from the Comments sections of AmericanBanker.com articles.

National Penn Bancshares (NPBC) in Allentown, Pa., swung to a profit in the first quarter thanks to commercial loan growth and one-time factors that offset lower mortgage banking revenue.

Astoria Financial (AF) in Lake Success, N.Y., reported higher quarterly profit aided by state income tax breaks.

People's United Financial (PBCT) in Bridgeport, Conn., reported late Wednesday steady first quarter results, characterized by loan growth and improved asset quality, the same day it disclosed a succession plan for its chief financial officer.

Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) said a drop in the value of a payments subsidiary, and higher legal costs, led to a 25% year-over-year drop in its quarterly profit.

Wal-Mart's new "Walmart-2-Walmart" transfer service will enable consumers to send money to each other by using the retail chain's store network.

The Cleveland company reported earnings of $236 million, up more than 18% from a year earlier. Earnings per share of 27 cents beat analysts' estimates polled by Bloomberg by three cents.

BB&T (BBT) in Winston-Salem, N.C., narrowly missed Wall Street's first-quarter expectations because of sluggish loan growth.

William Young, the founding chief executive officer of Virginia Partners Bank in Fredericksburg, Va., will retire on June 30.

Hancock Holding (HBHC) in Gulfport, Miss., reported higher quarterly earnings after it aggressively cut costs.

WASHINGTON — Comptroller of the Currency Thomas Curry said his agency is increasingly concerned about the cybersecurity risks from banks relying too much on certain vendors and using service providers in foreign countries.

Executives at U.S. Bancorp, PNC and Huntington all sounded cautiously optimistic about lending opportunities and each has a favorite region when it comes to finding borrowers.

Demand for loans by consumers and businesses grew in the first quarter, according to a Federal Reserve report released Wednesday.

The Chicago-area company has shown a willingness to pursue small branch deals and expand in nearby Wisconsin as it looks for liquidity and lending opportunities.

As banks increasingly compete to manage their most affluent customers' assets, some financial companies are using savvy strategies to win a share of this lucrative business. American Banker reporters discuss the tactics some banks are using to stand out from the wealth-management crowd.

Community Bankers Trust (ESXB) in Richmond, Va., has named a new chief credit officer for its Essex Bank

U.S. banks today are safer, sounder, more secure, transparent, accountable and are performing their critical roles in the global economy.

Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) in the first quarter padded its litigation reserves and recorded one-time expenses related to a recent acquisition.

Banks from New Jersey to California are going public with offerings ranging from $23 million to $223 million. The banks will use the proceeds to do everything from buy other institutions to retire debt. Following is a look.

Unity Bancorp (UNTY) in Clinton, N.J., plans to raise up to $6 million through a rights offering.