Details for a planned $30 billion program to help community banks lend to small businesses are still being worked on, but the Obama administration is leaning toward removing the strings that have scared institutions away from other capital programs.

The $14.8 billion-asset thrift company announced late Wednesday that MatlinPatterson Global Advisors LLC, a New York private-equity firm, injected $300 million into Flagstar as part of a rights offering announced late last year.

Even as many other community banks have recoiled, Iberiabank Corp. lately has been on a growth tear — raising capital, buying four failed banks and picking up lending teams from competitors.

MIDWEST

With nonperforming assets declining and two consecutive profitable quarters under its belt, the Atlanta company is planning for a year of black ink.

Despite three big boosts to capital in 2009, First Financial Bancorp in Cincinnati is looking to amass an even bigger treasure chest of capital this year.

A panel formed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to explore community banking issues is to hold its second meeting Thursday.

Heartland Financial USA Inc. of Dubuque, Iowa, reported a net 2009 loss of $9.2 million for common shareholders, 200% larger than the 2008 loss.

Signature Bank reported Tuesday that fourth-quarter earnings rose more than 60%, capping what the New York company said was its best year since its inception in 2001.

After three consecutive quarterly losses, Virginia Commerce Bancorp Inc. announced Tuesday that it returned to profitability in the fourth quarter.

Shares of Nara Bancorp Inc. fell 5.5% early Tuesday, but rebounded to close down 1.24% to $8.73 after the Los Angeles company announced a fourth-quarter loss. It was, however, an 85% narrower loss than posted a year earlier.

With dwindling capital and mounting losses, ShoreBank Corp. in Chicago is seeking a bailout from the state of Illinois.

If you think the FBOP story was interesting ["Legislators Call FDIC Too Hasty in FBOP Closure," Jan. 22], you should look into the failure of a true community bank, Peoples First Community Bank in Panama City, Fla.

Bank start-ups slowed to a trickle last year, and, if recent history is a guide, it could be a while before they pick up again.

The Federal Reserve said Monday that it has ordered Cornerstone Bancshares Inc. of Overland Park, Kan., to submit plans to strengthen its credit risk management and improve its capital position, earnings and budgeting.

Bank of Hawaii Corp. in Honolulu said Monday that its fourth-quarter earnings rose 3% from a year earlier, to $40.5 million as growth in noninterest income was offset by higher credit costs and a lower margin.

After nearly two years of rapid asset growth, PrivateBancorp Inc. in Chicago is expected to have a much slower 2010 as it gets its financial house in order.

Regulators may be more open to selling failed banks to nontraditional owners — or maybe there are just fewer buyers.

F.N.B. Corp. swung to a fourth-quarter profit as the financial-services company rebounded from prior-year investment write-downs and loan losses.

Midwest Banc Holdings Inc. has won one round in its battle for recapitalization. The $3.5 billion-asset company in Melrose Park, Ill., announced Friday that it persuaded 82% of its Series A preferred shareholders to convert to common shareholders.