Tax incentives and penalties drive behavior regardless of whether or not they represent sound economic reality. And banks will be asked to provide lending and investment support accordingly.

The chief operations officer at First Advantage Bancorp (FABK) in Clarksville, Tenn., will moonlight at the bank for the foreseeable future.

An Ohio bank's decision to balk at paying dividends to a private investor in its Troubled Asset Relief Program shares may reduce investor interest in future offerings. That could be bad news for the government in its bid to turn a buck on upcoming share sales.

The banking unit of FS Bancorp (FSBW) in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., has promoted two executives in an effort to strengthen oversight of credit operations.

Two community banks have repaid the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Prosperity Bancshares in Houston sees Oklahoma as a nearby, familiar market with ample growth room and pledges more acquisitions after its $194 million deal for Coppermark Bancshares in Oklahoma City.

The Federal Reserve Board has terminated enforcement actions against Community Bankers Trust (BTC) in Glen Allen, Va., and Northwestern Bank in Chippewa Falls, Wis.

A bank's decision to balk at paying dividends to a private investor that bought its Troubled Asset Relief Program shares may reduce investor interest in future such offerings and make it harder for the government to make a decent return.

The chief executives of two New York banks will serve on a panel charged with recommending changes to the state's tax code.

Regulators need to create an environment where firms are not afraid to speak out. Banks need to come up with clearer explanations of their business models to prevent the creation of unnecessary rules.

Heritage Bank of Commerce in San Jose, Calif., has lured a veteran small-business banker.

Astoria Financial (AF) could be a likely takeover target because of its recent emphasis on multifamily lending and a stock that is trading at a discount.

The nation's two largest banks are heading in opposite directions when it comes to customer satisfaction. Overall, banks are narrowing the gap with credit unions.

Ensuring that corporate boards include a diverse set of skills, backgrounds and personalities helps against groupthink's dislocation of corporate and shareholder interests.

Solera National Bancorp in Lakewood, Colo., has hired a veteran risk manager as its chief credit officer.

Amerasia Bank in New York has agreed to buy a troubled community bank in Florida. The $291 million-asset bank will acquire Great Eastern Bank of Florida, says Jimmy Tsai, Amerasia's chief operating officer.

Bob Kottler explains how the Louisiana company has been able to book small business loans while other banks struggle to grow.

Prosperity Bancshares (PB) in Houston has agreed to buy Coppermark Bancshares in Oklahoma City, Okla., for $193.9 million in cash and stock.

The $5.8 billion-asset holding company of Chemical Bank in Midland, Mich., said Monday it has completed its $8.1 million purchase of 21 branches from Independent Bank (IBCP) in Ionia, Mich.

Banks will have adjustments to make in residential lending next year even though the housing recovery will continue, according to an economic forecast issued Monday.