"Too big to fail" banking giants like to masquerade as community banks when it suits their purposes, but they will never be able to replace real, local bankers with deep ties to their customers.

The Sandy, Utah-based credit union opted to part with its two New Mexico branches to focus on other geographies. At least one expert expects an uptick in branch sales as more credit unions seek to "right-size" their networks.

Median growth among small U.S. lenders was 1.2% for the third quarter. Bankers are hoping lower interest rates will boost demand, but borrowers aren't jumping.

St. Paul, Minnesota-based Bremer Financial agreed to sell for $1.4 billion in cash and stock. It followed a yearslong legal battle between the bank and its largest shareholder that ended with a settlement this year.

The top five community banks averaged a return on average assets of 6.27% as of June 30.

The Columbus, Ohio-based regional launched Lift Local Business in October 2020 with a $25 million ceiling. Four years and $133 million later, the program is still going strong.

Analysts say lenders' shares could rally on deregulation, lighter tax burdens and a resurgence of M&A. Declining interest rates and lower loan losses could further bolster bottom lines and attract investor interest.

The Federal Reserve issued an enforcement action against the former head of Heartland Tri-State Bank, who embezzled millions of dollars after falling victim to a crypto scam.

As banks continue investing in technology to boost productivity, they aren't losing sight of their call centers' human sides. Even as AI grows in importance, agents are more important than ever

Lower borrowing costs, reduced exposure to the urban office sector and flattening vacancy rates could collectively save lenders from beleaguered corners of the commercial real estate market.

Some lenders are once again hiring mortgage lenders, but memories of the painful staffing cuts they were forced to make over the past two years remain top of mind.

Agriculture lenders expect more than a third of their borrowers to lose money this year, a development that could result in credit quality deterioration and impacts on banks' bottom lines.

Customized perks, AI-driven solutions and even freelance employees are all in play at banks as human resource managers confront the challenge of recruitment and retention.

The Arkansas Republican, who could be the next chairman of the top banking panel in the House, could find some areas of agreement with Democratic Senate Banking Committee ranking member Elizabeth Warren on issues like failed bank resolution reform.

The top five community banks averaged a return on average equity of 115.97% as of June 30.

The agency had been on the verge of downgrading Philadelphia-based Republic First Bancorp's CAMELS rating to the lowest level but opted for a less severe remedy after a November 2020 visit.

Senior loan officers polled by the Federal Reserve reported that they further upped their standards for approving credit for customers. But they also signaled that concerns are easing and credit quality is poised for improvement.

Amid growing awareness of mental health needs in the workplace, some banks are doubling down on benefits that go beyond traditional employee assistance programs. What's behind banks' heightened focus, and what's the long-term strategy for investing in this area?

Anthony Gressak III, who also served as interim CEO of Nano Banc, allegedly obtained pandemic relief funds fraudulently.

The New York bank's planned $125 million public offering comes less than a week after Valley National raised more than $400 million with a similar transaction.