Traditional gadflies are again pressing banks to find buyers. They could soon be joined by less vocal investors who still know how to put pressure on executives and directors.

Marketplace lenders and other alternative finance companiesshould be perceived not as a threat, but rather as a group of pioneers opening up opportunities for those banks that elect to buy, build or partner in this market.

SBT Bancorp in Simsbury, Conn., plans to raise about $7.5 million through a private placement of subordinated debt and $8.6 million through a public offering of common stock.

Even as the number of credit unions shrinks, the number of credit union branches is going up, opposite the trend in bank branching, according to new analysis.

Phoenixville Federal Bank & and Trust in Pennsylvania has converted to a state charter.

ASB Bancorp in Asheville, N.C., has received its second demand in less than a month to put itself on the auction block.

A breakdown of M&A announcements in the financial services industry for the week ended August 22.

When the hurricane hit the Gulf Coast nearly a decade ago, it brought with it unimaginable destruction. Still, it also allowed the area's banks a chance to work together, connect with clients and work toward a stronger future.

Stock fluctuations will fuel investment banking fees in the short run, but a prolonged shock would complicate bank M&A and could tighten margins, crimp wealth management fees and present other risks.

WASHINGTON — A Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. publication on Monday advised banks to include cyber risk in standard disaster-planning and business-continuity exercises as part of general strategic-planning discussions.

Cecil Bancorp in Elkton, Md., has been ordered by federal regulators to raise more capital or sell itself.

First Horizon National in Memphis, Tenn., is giving itself another two months to complete its purchase of TrustAtlantic Financial.

The Wisconsin company hasn't bought a bank since 2007. The potential for unforeseen regulatory snags and scrutiny from community groups have the company's conservative management team biding their time.

Simmons First National in Pine Bluff, Ark., had a convenient "in" as it was looking to buy wealth management firm Ozark Trust and Investment Corp. in Springfield, Mo.

First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lakewood in Ohio has agreed to acquire Belpre Savings Bank in Belbre, Ohio.

Planters Holding in Indianola, Miss., has agreed to buy Covenant Financial in Clarksdale, Miss.

While in talks to buy National Penn Bancshares, BB&T circulated an email to help key executives understand Pennsylvania’s prominent cultural and religious groups.