Honolulu-based Territorial Bancorp is delaying the approval vote by about four weeks in order to continue discussions with its shareholders. A group that includes a former Bank of Hawaii CEO is trying to scuttle the $78 million deal with Los Angeles-based Hope Bancorp.

The $3.4 billion-asset organization based in Phoenix said it would acquire 1st Bank Yuma in the record-setting 17th deal of 2024 involving a credit union buying a bank.

The Chicago-based bank said it would acquire First Security Bancorp in Elmwood Park. The transaction would push it close to $10 billion of assets.

In September's roundup of top banking news: Check fraud goes viral at JPMorgan Chase, Truist Financial resets its tangible common equity target, Wells Fargo faces new AML woes and more.

Blue Hill Advisors and former Bank of Hawaii CEO Landon up their per-share cash offer to buy Territorial Bancorp; Montreal-based payments firm Lightspeed Commerce puts itself on the market; Societe Generale hires ex-UBS banker Jansen as the bank's West Coast co-head; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

Dealmakers say the Federal Reserve's decision to reduce interest rates this month will lower borrowing costs and support banks' credit quality, making it easier for buyers to assess sellers' balance sheets and agree on sale terms.

Mifflinburg Bancorp and Northumberland Bancorp would combine to create a $1.3 billion-asset bank in the Susquehanna Valley market.

Berkshire Hathaway's stake in BofA is now 10.5%.

Federal Reserve Gov. Michelle Bowman said a lack of banking experience among regulatory officials has led to unintended consequences. She flagged mergers, fintech partnerships and liquidity proposals as prime examples.

The Biden-Harris administration's approach to medical debt reduction is well-intentioned, but counterproductive. There are better ways to reform the system and maintain patients' dignity.