Lakeland Financial in Warsaw, Ind., rode double-digit loan growth and credit-quality improvements to an 18% increase in profits.

Community banks have been steadily increasing their dealing in auto finance, an area with great potential and significant risk for unexperienced lenders.

A final piece of Bank of America Corp.'s record $16.7 billion toxic-mortgage settlement is being held up by an internal fight at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, said four people familiar with the case.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's report on private student loans should prompt lenders, regulators and universities to take action to help troubled borrowers and prevent future defaults.

Triumph Bancorp in Dallas is looking to raise $123 million through an initial public offering.

Fannie Mae reached a $170 million lawsuit settlement Friday to resolve allegations that it defrauded shareholders by making misleading statements about its risk management, mortgage exposure and overall finances.

Hudson Valley Holding Corp. (HVB), a New York City-area lender with about $3.2 billion in assets, is exploring a sale, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Iberiabank in Lafayette, La., has agreed to acquire Old Florida Bancshares in Orlando.

Citizens Financial Group, releasing results for the first time since its initial public offering, said third-quarter profit rose 31% as the bank set aside less money for bad loans. The firm declared a 10-cent quarterly dividend.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the U.S. suggests an outlook for a better employment picture and future income growth.

Apple Inc. (AAPL)'s bid to replace the consumer wallet with its mobile payment system ran into a roadblock as CVS Health Corp. (CVS) and Rite Aid Corp. (RAD) disabled the technology in their drugstores.

A defendant in a deceptive mortgage and debt relief enforcement case must pay a previously suspended $515,000 court judgment after authorities learned he hid assets.

These companies, featured on American Banker's Best Banks to Work For list, go beyond salaries and health benefits to make their employees feel valued at the office.

Hot topics like cybersecurity, M&A and Operation Choke Point caused a lot of debate at American Banker's annual regulatory symposium. But in just about every case, the conversation inevitably circled back to a common theme: reputation is everything. So some, including U.S. Bancorp's Richard Davis, contend playing it safe is just plain playing it smart.

Avenue Bank's Ron Samuels says sports teach young people to work toward goals and manage their emotions — traits he likes to see in employees.

First Horizon's Employee Leadership Program, championed by CEO Bryan Jordan, has been described as "life changing" by some of its graduates. It also has helped solidify First Horizon's status as one of the banking industry's most employee-friendly companies. On our list of Best Banks to Work For this year, it ranks as No. 1 among those with more than $10 billion of assets.

In nearly every category, banks reported modest to strong loan growth through the first half, as consumer spending increased and businesses moved forward with expansion plans. Though much of the loan growth since the financial crisis came from banks stealing market share from competitors, this year may well go down as the turning point when loan demand finally rebounded.

Some banks are coming up with creative strategies for dealing with the rising cost of health care, from on-site clinics to full-time wellness coordinators. They also are softening the blow of high-deductible plans by phasing them in and contributing to employees' Health Savings Accounts.

The challenge is part of 1st National's wellness program, says Jenny Johnson, the bank's human resources leader. Employees compete in teams of four to six people, who are weighed in November and again in January.

Citi's sponsorship of a bike-sharing program in New York has been a marketing coup. Can the bank achieve similar success in Miami?