Banc of California in Irvine has begun two securities offerings, one of which aims to raise $175 million.

Pricing in Florida might be ticking higher as the state's economy booms, but some banks are still feeling the effects of the last downturn. Those banks are perhaps perfect candidates for acquirers looking to tap into the recovery.

Community Trust Bank in Ruston, La., has bought four branches in Houston from Hancock Holding in Gulfport, Miss.

Camden National in Camden, Maine, has agreed to buy SBM Financial in Portland, Maine.

Four Oaks Fincorp has added a pair of directors with close ties to the Four Oaks, N.C., company.

Foundation Bancorp in Bellevue, Wash., has sold $15 million of convertible preferred stock in a private offering.

Village Bank and Trust Financial in Midlothian, Va., has raised nearly $9 million by selling shares to existing investors.

United Community Banks took hefty hits during the financial crisis due to its focus on real estate lending. Today, the Georgia company is diversifying by building teams dedicated to SBA lending and making other specialty loans.

Retailers have been able to get credit card surcharge bans in California and New York thrown out by using an unusual legal argument based on the First Amendment. The wins are significant, but merchants still need to fight through a legal thicket before card surcharges become practical.

First West Virginia Bancorp in Wheeling has removed the interim tag from William Petroplus' title as president and chief executive.

Two investors in Central Pacific Financial are planning to sell 7.6 million shares in the Honolulu company

First Interstate BancSystem in Billings, Mont., has agreed to buy Absarokee Bancorp. in Absarokee, Mont.

The Securities and Exchange Commission just gave unregistered banks a way to quickly raise capital at a fortuitous time — and marketplace lending platforms a way to reclaim their peer-to-peer roots.

The $24 billion-asset company said in a press release Thursday that Robert Holmes will become president and chief executive of its St. Louis market on March 31.

Toronto-Dominion Bank would consider small retail bank takeovers in the U.S. Southeast to expand its branch network on the Eastern Seaboard, Chief Executive Officer Bharat Masrani said.

The $969 million-asset company said in a press release Thursday that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency had lifted a September 2010 consent order against First National Community Bank.

Farm banks have enjoyed several years of robust loan volume, but declining farm income has them on guard for increases in delinquencies and more eager to use government-guarantee programs.

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida in Stuart has agreed to buy Grand Bankshares in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Atlantic Capital Bancshares in Atlanta has agreed to buy First Security Group in Chattanooga, Tenn.

A top Democratic lawmaker said Wednesday that the compliance burdens placed on small and medium sized banks outweigh the risks they pose to the financial system.