American Banker readers share their views on the most pressing banking topics of the week. Comments are excerpted from reader response sections of AmericanBanker.com articles and from our social media platforms.

The National Credit Union Administration has liquidated IBEW Local 816 Federal Credit Union in Paducah, Ky.

Alerus Financial (ALRS) in Grand Forks, N.D., has acquired Private Bancorp. in Minneapolis for $15.9 million in cash and other considerations.

A spike in smaller deals, along with improved premiums, is providing hope that buyers and sellers are finally coming together as industry experts forecast several years earlier.

Home Federal Bancorp of Louisiana (HFBL) in Shreveport, La., has hired a new chief financial officer.

Cadence Bancorp in Houston has raised $245 million in an oversubscribed debt issuance.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp recently recruited William Ryan, retired TD Banknorth CEO, leading some observers to discuss what role he might play in the Massachusetts company's growth plans.

F.N.B. Corp. (FNB) has moved its corporate headquarters to Pittsburgh.

A breakdown of M&A announcements in the financial services industry for the week ended July 5.

Debt-burdened holding companies are more often resorting to selling their banks through bankruptcy sales, which is welcome news for lawyers, investment banks and advisors that can earn millions working on such transactions. But such fees have rankled creditors.

Opus Global, a $500 million fund started last fall to roll up financial technology businesses, has made its first acquisition, a risk and compliance software firm that serves banks.

MVB Financial (MVBF) in Fairmont, W.Va., has raised more than $37 million by issuing subordinated debt and selling preferred stock.

Sun Bancorp (SNBC) in Mount Laurel, N.J., has provided more details on its sweeping restructuring initiative.

First Midwest Bancorp (FMBI) in Itasca, Ill., has agreed to buy Great Lakes Financial Resources (GLFL) in Chicago.

American Bank in Fond du Lac, Wis., has agreed to buy InvestorsBank in Waukesha, Wis. American Bank, a unit of NEB Corp., will have more than $450 million in assets when the merger is completed.

Steele Street Bank & Trust decided to find a buyer when CEO Bob Malone realized the bank lacked the size to adequately court business in the Mile High City.

Banc of California (BANC) in Irvine says it booked more than $1.4 billion in loans during the second quarter.

GNB Financial Services in Gratz, Pa., has agreed to buy FNBM Financial in Minersville, Pa.

TFS Financial announced dividend plans recently that have many wondering whether it is headed toward a second-step conversion in the near future. The speculation makes sense, but the Cleveland company would face some obstacles.

As interest rates rise and loans become more likely to stay on the books, more banks may show up on the buy side of the market for mortgage servicing rights