BancorpSouth (BXS) in Tupelo, Miss., has agreed to buy Ouachita Bancshares in Monroe, La.

Southern National Bancorp of Virginia (SONA) in McLean has agreed to buy Prince George's Federal Savings Bank in Upper Marlboro, Md.

BBVA Compass is cutting between 400 and 600 jobs in its banking and real-estate-lending divisions.

Mortgage lenders are eager to make home loans this year -- but consumers may be more hesitant to borrow.

Big banks stepped up small business lending at the end of 2013, according to the Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index released Wednesday.

As more community banks look at working with alternative lenders, they must be mindful of the regulatory and reputational risk that can occur if they make a bad referral.

Some banks in downsizing mode are subleasing branches that are too large. Advocates say subleasing can help banks avoid selling branches for cheap; others warns about the cost-benefit of retrofitting a building.

The new year will bring an end to big regulatory settlements with banks, a sharp drop-off in the number of branches across the industry, increased use of biometric technology and a breakthrough in banks' use of big data. American Banker editors discuss these and other predictions for the year ahead in banking.

First Niagara Financial Group (FNFG) in Buffalo, N.Y., is laying off employees and shutting down branches as it seeks to retool its retail operations.

TriState Capital (TSC) in Pittsburgh has agreed to buy Chartwell Investment Partners, an investment management firm in Berwyn, Pa.

Old National Bancorp (ONB) in Evansville, Ind., has agreed to buy United Bancorp (UBMI) in Ann Arbor, Mich.

A plan to inject $50 million into U.S. Century Bank has reportedly been called off, leaving the undercapitalized Doral, Fla., bank in limbo.

Peapack-Gladstone Financial (PGC) in Bedminster, N.J., has hired a president of private wealth management.

The Minneapolis bank's agreement to buy 94 RBS-owned branches in Chicago is the biggest deal that a big bank has pursued in awhile, and observers will watch the approval process closely for any signs that regulators are warming to the idea of acquisitions by large banks.

Mobile banking services hold serious sway over small business owners, according to a new study.

Pioneer Financial Services in Kansas City, Mo., has appointed Joe Freeman chief executive.

SouthCrest Financial Group (SCSG) in Peachtree City, Ga., has received regulatory approval to merge its four banks into a single charter operating under the name SouthCrest Bank.

The Federal Reserve Board has terminated enforcement actions with Cornerstone Holding Co. in Fargo, N.D., and Commerce Bancshares in Catoosa, Okla.

Union First Market Bankshares (UBSH) in Richmond, Va., has taken a stake in a local payments firm.

U.S. Bancorp (USB) in Minneapolis has agreed to buy the Chicago branches of RBS Citizens Financial Group, a deal that would double its deposit share in the Windy City.