De novo institutions

At least eight banks are in various stages of formation, including two that have opened. While that is nowhere near the de novo activity of the early 2000s, it's a positively brisk pace compared with the standstill that existed for many years after the financial crisis.

Its small, locally owned banks were as decimated after the crisis as in any big city. But community bankers say changes to the economy and their lending practices offer them a shot at challenging the big banks that dominate their market.

Consolidation can help community institutions better tackle the many regulatory and financial challenges facing them.

Marathon International Bank would target the Ethiopian community with specific advertising and educational programs.

Organizers of Sterling Bank have filed an application with the FDIC and have set a $20 million capital target.

Endeavor Bank, which raised nearly $27 million, will become the second new bank to open in California in the past year when it debuts next week.

A group has filed an application for form a bank in Birmingham, a city with a large pool of bankers and a steadily growing economy.

The proposed CommerceOne Bank in Birmingham, Ala., would be run by former executives at First Partners Bank, which was sold earlier this year.

New York Venture Bank would be run be a former Square 1 executive and would feature former CFPB deputy director Raj Date on its board.

Acting Comptroller of the Currency Keith Noreika has been the ultimate disruptor, bucking the normally low-key profile of interim regulators.