Bankers need to show they are in control of relationships with outside vendors, must be ready to respond to M&A-related protests and should be as concerned about economic growth as interest rates, according to the St. Louis Fed's supervisory chief.

The Federal Reserve Board has approved the merger of M&T Bank in Buffalo, N.Y., and Hudson City Bancorp in Paramus, N.J., after more than three years of delay. The approval came on the day the regulator had set as a deadline to announce its verdict on the deal.

Russia's economic crisis has put dozens of banks out of business this year and is threatening many more. But for others, it is turning into a bonanza.

The $17 billion-asset holding company for First National Bank of Pennsylvania plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, according to a Wednesday news release.

Former Citigroup Chief Executive Officer Vikram Pandit is part of a group of investors plowing $5.9 million in a new digital exchange aimed at making it easier for smaller investors to buy loans made to mid-sized companies.

Great Southern Bancorp in Springfield, Mo., has agreed to buy 12 branches around St. Louis from Fifth Third Bancorp in Cincinnati.

OFG Bancorp in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will record a pretax loss of roughly $21 million after its sells all remaining nonperforming assets from its 2010 purchase of the failed Eurobank.

Bank of Hawaii in Honolulu is getting out of the aircraft leasing business.

Anchor Bancorp in Lacey, Wash., is facing a renewed proxy battle from activist investor Joel Lawson 4th ahead of its annual shareholders meeting in late October.

Bank of America plans to lay off about 200 employees in global banking and markets, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

Ameris Bancorp in Moultrie, Ga., plans to close 10 branches in an effort to save about $5 million a year in operating costs.

Centrue Financial in Ottawa, Ill., plans to sell 4.8 million shares on behalf of stockholders. The shares would be worth $77 million based on the most recent price of $16 per share.

Nicolet Bankshares in Green Bay, Wis., has redeemed about half of its outstanding preferred stock in the Small Business Lending Fund.

1st Century Bancshares in Los Angeles has filed plans to raise $30 million through a sale of common stock.

A breakdown of M&A announcements in the financial services industry for the week ended September 26.

The $4.8 billion-asset HomeStreet said in a press release Monday that it will pay $49.8 million in stock, or $11.70 a share, and $5.5 million in cash for the $200 million-asset Orange County Business Bank.

BB&T in Winston-Salem, N.C., will close five National Penn Bancshares branches in Pennsylvania after it completes its acquisition of the Allentown, Pa., company.

Pinnacle Bancorp in Central City, Neb., has agreed to buy Woodhaven National Bank in Fort Worth, Texas.

Cardinal Financial made a big push into wealth management a decade ago. Today, it remains an inconsistent business, though management is optimistic about the future.

Porter Bancorp in Louisville, Ky., has Edmond Seifried to its board. Seifried, 68, is executive director of the Sheshunoff Affiliation Program, which provides education and an idea exchange to community bankers.