Regulators on Friday closed Northern Star Bank in Mankato, Minn., the 18th institution to fail this year.

Empire Bancorp in Islandia, N.Y., has raised $20 million in a private placement.

Federal bank regulators increased the asset-size thresholds for the definition of a "small bank" and "intermediate small bank" for certain bank exams on Friday.

A recap of the informed opinions (and the discussions they generated) on BankThink this week.

Oil at $50 per barrel will almost definitely create problems for banks in oil-producing regions as well as Wall Street financial institutions that finance the sector. Analysts already forecast the price of crude will fall that low — the only other question is how long it might last.

Simmons First National in Pine Bluff, Ark., has extended the termination date for its purchases of two banks due to delays securing regulatory approval.

The layoffs will take place across the $38 billion-asset bank's four-state service area in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut, a spokesman for the bank confirmed.

First Guaranty Bancshares in Hammond, La., has postponed its initial public offering, citing "unfavorable market conditions."

Sentry Bank in St. Joseph, Minn., has lined up its next president and chief executive.

A year ago we asked BankThink contributors to make bold predictions about how the financial industry would evolve in 2014. Here's a look back at their forecasts and the actual outcomes.

Disciplined pursuit of acquisitions and efficient management of a complex business model have earned Mick Blodnick, the retiring CEO of Montana's largest bank, a spot as one of American Banker's three community bankers of the year.

Northrim Bancorp in Anchorage, Alaska, has promoted Joe Beedle to president and chief executive.

The former Astoria chief, who died Sunday, took Astoria from a sleepy mutual to the fifth-biggest publicly traded thrift in New York. Engelke was also know for freely speaking his mind while maintaining strong relationships with fellow bankers.

Citizens Security Bank in Bixby, Okla., will change its name in March to Mabrey Bank, taking on the last name of the family that owns and manages the bank.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is keeping up the drumbeat on the importance of managing interest rate risk.

The $1.3 billion-asset company said in a press release that Thomas Cherry will succeed Larry Dillon, who will remain chairman and chief executive. The company added that Cherry is expected to eventually succeed Dillon as CEO.

Tri-Valley Bank in San Ramon, Calif., plans to raise $2.5 million through a private placement of common stock.

The $6.5 billion-asset bank said in a press release Thursday that it plans to transfer its common stock and senior notes to the NYSE from the Nasdaq.

A new report from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency finds potential industry threats from interest rate volatility, looser underwriting and other areas.

Meta Financial Group in Sioux Falls, S.D., has filed to raise up to $26 million by selling common stock.