By assessing internal needs, planning how to deal with the external pressures and weighing the value of a good risk chief, banks can make an informed decision on who guides their risk management program.

The subsidiaries of the $4.4 billion-asset company will be merged into Simmons First National Bank by August 2014, according to a Wednesday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Bank of the Ozarks (OZRK) on Wednesday finalized the cash acquisition of Bancshares in Houston, as well as its wholly-owned subsidiary Omnibank, for $21.5 million.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau managers are far more likely to rate white employees highly than minorities, data obtained by American Banker shows. The figures reflect broad personnel problems inside the agency and are likely to give rise to claims that it's failing to uphold standards it punishes others for violating.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's employee ratings show the same sorts of racial patterns that it has castigated bankers for permitting in the loan market. American Banker staffers discuss what may be behind the numbers and what they may mean for bankers and policymakers.

Riverview Community Bank in Vancouver, Wash., has promoted Daniel Cox to executive vice president and chief credit officer.

Predictions vary widely on how hard it will be for foreign banks to comply with a new capital rule from the Federal Reserve. Many will have to sell branches or loans, or they may just need to shuffle some legal paperwork, depending on whom you speak with.

More bankers want to use YouTube and other social media to get customers, but they often struggle with they should say or do in their campaigns. Here are three tips, including have fun and avoid repeating traditional ads.

Bankers at this year's ICBA convention in Hawaii expressed hope that an increase in loan applications — as well as some relief from pending regulations — will bode well for 2014 and beyond.

HomeStreet, the parent company of the $3 billion-asset HomeStreet Bank, plans to sell two pools of residential loans that it will continue to service.

Park Sterling Corp. (PSTB) in Charlotte has agreed to buy Provident Community Bancshares (PCBS) in Rock Hill, S.C.

Community West Bancshares in Goleta, Calif., has promoted Michael Phlaum to executive vice president and chief operating officer of its bank unit.

Eastern Bank, a mutual thrift in Boston, can only offer cash when trying to buy other banks. Many sellers prefer stock, but Eastern has been able to consistently make acquisitions using its all-cash approach.

Citadel EFT, a credit card processing firm, announced Tuesday that it is exploring ways to allow state-licensed marijuana businesses to accept electronic payments from their customers.

Zions Bancorp. (ZIONS) in Salt Lake City has named Scott McLean as its new president.

Many banks are eager to bulk up through acquisitions, but most have very specific criteria in what they want and are unwilling to settle for anything less, says McGladrey's Bob Browne.

Guaranty Federal Bancshares (GFED) in Springfield, Mo., plans to raise roughly $15 million in an initial public offering.

Eastern Bank in Boston has agreed to acquire Centrix Bank & Trust in New Hampshire in what would be Eastern's first expansion outside Massachusetts.

BBVA Compass (BBVA) of Birmingham, Ala., has opened two new banking centers in The Woodlands, Texas, a fast-growing suburb north of Houston.

Jay Sidhu's Pennsylvania company is building a separately branded bank that, like Simple, will target a demographic that feels no particular affinity toward traditional banks.