Under the direction of Richard Holbrook, Eastern Bank has prepared itself for the next 200 years by embracing a culture innovation, adding scale through acquisitions and advocating for the less fortunate in its community. It's an unusual formula, but it has worked and that's why he is one of American Banker's three Community Bankers of the Year for 2015.

The banking industry had mixed opinions of the Fed's decision to boost rates. Most believe 25 basis points will do little to move the needle financially, but they are apprehensive about the impact more increases will have on deposits, lending and credit quality. Here is a sampling of what bankers have said in recent days.

The $933-million asset institution said in a press release Tuesday that the technology, provided by Louisville-based R.C. Giltner Services, will enable consumer and small-business customers to complete the loan application process in minutes.

Bank officials say they are ready for rising rates; disagree on how much the initial increase would help or hurt lending and the economy; and predict more rate increases next year.

HomeStreet in Seattle has bought a branch in Dayton, Wash., from Banner Corp. in Walla Walla, Wash.

TotalBank in Miami has returned Jorge Rossell to the position of chief executive, after Luis de la Aguilera departed to take the same position at U.S. Century Bank in Doral, Fla.

Opus Bank in Irvine, Calif., has created a formal division for lending to municipal governments and has promoted executive Debbie McLeod to lead the venture.

Fearless forecasts from BankThink's stable of industry veterans, experts and critics.

The $467 million-asset mutual thrift appointed Patricia Stetler to the role this week.

The $5.6 billion-asset multibank holding company hired Fontaine to replace Ed Hooks, who has been its counsel since 1992 and who will retire at the end of the year.

Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa., has agreed to buy the disbursements business of Higher One Holdings in New Haven, Conn.

An interbank loan market that was created for small and regional banks has begun operations, recording $15 million in transactions on its first day.

Dave Seleski founded Stonegate in 2005 and the decade since has built it into one of Florida's best-performing banks through a combination of prudent lending and opportunistic buying. Now he's got his sights set on Cuba and playing a key role in bringing that country's economy into the 21st century.

Eastern Bank in Boston has agreed to buy a health care insurance brokerage firm from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance in Milwaukee.

Southwest Bancorp in Stillwater, Okla., has hired a group of former National Bank Holdings commercial lenders to lead its Colorado market.

Frandsen Financial in Arden Hills, Minn., has agreed to buy Provincial Corp. in Lakeville, Minn.

The agency made good on a vow to make 2015 the "year of regulatory relief," causing headaches for the banking industry in areas such as field of membership and member business lending.

Associates of Glen Falls Insurance said that it bought Loomis & LaPann, an insurance unit of Arrow Financial that focuses on amateur sports, for an undisclosed price.

Some are on the hot seat. Others are replacing legends or overseeing make-or-break initiatives — from big mergers to product expansions to tech overhauls. These are the bankers to keep an eye on in the new year.

Union Community Bank in Mount Joy, Pa., will promote its chief operating officer to lead the bank, after the retirement of its longtime president and chief executive.