AmeriServ Financial in Johnstown, Pa., will take several charges in coming quarters, including one tied to litigation and client loss in its investment advisory business.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed into law a measure that allows financial institutions to offer raffle-style programs to encourage saving.

The private equity firm of Texas billionaire Gerald J. Ford, is planning a tender offer for up to 65% of Mechanics Bank in Walnut Creek, Calif. If completed, the deal would be the first deployment of the $755 million that Ford's fund raised last year.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed its outlook for six community banks based on their stable and improving performance.

How banks are using online and classroom courses to teach young commercial lenders to stay on top of regulatory and market changes.

Highlands Bancorp in Vernon, N.J., has lined up its next chief executive.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Home Loan banks of Seattle and Des Moines announced Thursday that their boards have unanimously approved a definitive agreement to merge.

First Citizens BancShares in Raleigh, N.C., will add three directors after it completes its acquisition of First Citizens Bancorp. in Columbia, S.C.

Nearly 40% of community banks have no plans to introduce new products and services in the next three years, according to a recent survey from the Federal Reserve and Conference of Bank Supervisors. Technology also remains a daunting challenge, along with regulatory changes and other business challenges.

The banking industry needs women to polish its tarnished image, insists Jill Castilla, the CEO at Citizens Bank of Edmond (Okla.).

While community bankers admit they are worried about Wal-Mart's latest move in financial services, the fact is that they have been successfully fending off disruption in financial services for years.

Sunflower Financial is adding loans and growing in Denver. First Western Financial has tepid loan growth, but its prowess in private banking is enviable. Casual talks between their CEOs led them to the realization they could build on each other’s strengths.

Urban Partnership Bank in Chicago has lured a former Citibank executive out of retirement to lead its consumer banking operations.

First Connecticut Bancorp in Farmington is expanding into Massachusetts.

NewBridge Bancorp in Greensboro, N.C., has created three commercial banking groups.

Hawaii National Bancshares in Honolulu is planning to buy out the holdings of its minority shareholders.

A pair of banking companies announced plans to consolidate their community bank brands.

Webster Financial in Waterbury, Conn., has agreed to buy JPMorgan Chase's health savings account business.

The $578 million-asset company said in a press release Tuesday that it had hired Anthony Weagley as its president and CEO. He will have the same roles at Malvern’s bank.

Sunflower Financial in Salina, Kan., is poised to strengthen its presence in Denver.