Those who wanted to greatly expand the power of government over the financial sector, especially to expand the discretionary power of unelected agencies, took full advantage of the opportunity.

A trio of mutual thrifts have filed paperwork to sell a total of $350 million in stock as part of planned conversions to stock companies.

The $3.7 billion-asset company filed a registration form with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on March 10 for an initial public offering.

Hundreds of community bankers gathered in Honolulu last week, trying to reconcile their sense that the economy is back on track with their concerns about costly regulations and unfair competition. The following is an overview of the conflicting messages they shared and heard.

OneUnited Bank in Boston is trying to help people get back on track economically with two new programs.

A movement to jump-start affordable-housing development is gathering momentum in New York and elsewhere, and bankers are concerned that new mandates would cut into their profits on loans for such projects.

First Bank (FRBA) in Hamilton, N.J., has hired a former American Express manager as chief operating officer.

Heritage Oaks (HEOP) in Paso Robles, Calif., has hired a new chief financial officer.

Astoria Financial (AF) in Lake Success, N.Y., is planning to open its first full-service branch in Manhattan.

First Citizens Banc (FCZA) in Sandusky, Ohio, will close three branches to cut costs.

Community banks and credit unions are often viewed as being behind the curve in technology, but these tech efforts—either in place or in development—show that some smaller institutions can be every bit as cutting edge as the big guys.

BankUnited (BKU) in Miami Lakes, Fla., has hired a former insurance agency executive to oversee its retail operations in Florida.

Comptroller of the Currency Thomas Curry signals regulators are considering more Community Reinvestment Act changes as advocates say the progress to date is too timid.

The Florida company's initial backers made a lot of money from a 2009 government-backed deal. Still, BankUnited's PE backers say the final sale of their stake in the resurrected lender is bittersweet.

1st Capital Bank (FISB) in Monterey, Calif., has hired Michael Winiarski as its new chief financial officer.

Financial firms should consider this type of rebrand if they are facing reputational issues, find their existing name is too limiting or want to convey a new image following a merger or acquisition.

The Federal Reserve Board has lifted enforcement actions against four financial companies.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has lifted a regulatory enforcement action against First Security Group (FSGI) unit FSGBank.

Sun Home Loans in New Jersey named Theresa Trainum as its senior vice president and chief operating officer.

The Michigan company is buying Nortwestern Bancorp, fleshing out a major part of its franchise map. Though Northwestern's loan portfolio has been steadily shrinking, Chemical executives expect to generate double-digit loan growth from the seller's markets.