Bank mergers and acquisitions have slowed in recent years amid recession fears and other economic uncertainties. But bank consolidation is a century-old trend that's expected to rev up again as early as this year due to higher costs, tougher regulation and fierce competition.

Peapack-Gladstone's wealth unit is pursuing an ambitious de novo expansion in New York and perhaps elsewhere because M&A has become expensive as private equity money has inflated seller expectations.

The new team at Dime Community Bancshares intends to attract funding from an array of niche business segments, including medical billing, so-called death care services and hedge funds.

Sound Credit Union said it would acquire Washington Business Bank in a cash deal slated to close in the fourth quarter.

Data as of Dec. 31, 2023. Dollars in thousands.

Data as of Dec. 31, 2023. Dollars in thousands.

An advocate for the credit union industry pushes back against "tired" and "recycled" criticism from bankers.

Orlando-based Cogent Bancorp's Brandon Ghee, a former NFL player, has launched a business line focused on providing banking services to professional athletes and the growing number of college standouts earning six- and seven-figure incomes.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp declined to detail the savings it expects from the downsizing, though one analyst estimated it could shave $3 million from the company's annual noninterest expenses.