Leader Bank in Massachusetts developed software to get renters paying their bills online. It solved a hassle for landlords, helping the bank win their business. Now, Leader is preparing to sell the ZRent tool to other banks.

Cross County Bank in Wynne, Ark., has agreed to buy three Arkansas branches from SouthBank in Huntsville, Ala.

The $120 million-asset mutual thrift filed its application with federal regulators this month. Citizens expects the formation to be completed by the first quarter, Chief Executive Tommy Johnson said in an interview.

Cheviot Financial in Cincinnati has elected James Williamson chairman.

Bank of Hawaii in Honolulu has hired Sheh Bertram as chief information officer.

Entegra Financial in Franklin, N.C., has agreed to buy two South Carolina branches from Arthur State Bank in Union, S.C.

Astoria Financial in Lake Success, N.Y., has named a former Citigroup banker a director of business banking.

Foothills Community Bank in Dawsonville, Ga., has named John Lewis interim chief executive.

BNC Bancorp in High Point, N.C., has agreed to buy Southcoast Financial in Mount Pleasant, S.C., for $95.5 million in stock.

Banks that sold faulty mortgage-backed securities right before the crisis have suffered a string of legal defeats over the timing of government lawsuits, but some experts believe the industry may still have a shot in the Supreme Court.

Empire National Bank in Islandia, N.Y., has named former Commerce Bank president and chief executive Robert Falese to its board.

Malvern Federal Savings Bank has hired its chief risk officer from a rival Pennsylvania bank.

American Banker readers share their views on the most pressing banking topics of the week. Comments are excerpted from reader response sections of AmericanBanker.com articles and from our social media platforms.

Pioneer Bancshares in Dripping Springs, Texas, has struck a deal to merge with FC Holdings, the parent company of First Community Bank in Sugar Land, Texas.

As the Small Business Administration's flagship 7(a) loan program breaks records, its other loan program stagnates. Advocates for so-called 504 loans hope a drive to permit CRE refinancing will inject new life.

Banc of California in Irvine is looking for a new chief financial officer, after Ronald Nicolas announced his resignation.

First NBC Bank Holding in New Orleans has delayed the release of its 10-Q, after it discovered an accounting error.

Long proven popular in countries like the U.K., prize-linked accounts recently became legal for banks to offer in some states in the U.S. Blue Ridge Bank in Virginia is early to the market with a product that gives depositors a chance to win $200 monthly for every $25 they save.

Argentine Federal Savings in Kansas City, Kan., has named Roger McWherter chief executive.

Enterprise Bancorp in Lowell, Mass., has named James Conway vice chairman and lead director.