The emergence of several regional banks in California could prompt smaller institutions to weigh their M&A options. Higher operating costs and limited revenue opportunities could also force more consolidation in the state.

Independent Bank Group (IBTX) in McKinney, Texas, is reportedly in talks to buy Houston Community Bank.

First Savings Bank of Perkasie in Pennsylvania has acquired investment advisor Longview Capital Management in Wilmington, Del.

Eastern Virginia Bankshares (EVBS) said Thursday that it has agreed to acquire Virginia Company Bank (VGNA) for $9.2 million in stock and cash.

Check's technology, with Intuit's marketing budget behind it, could shape consumers' expectations of bill pay through their financial institutions and inspire entrepreneurs to cook up similar software to disintermediate banks.

Legal experts are becoming increasingly concerned that federal judges are questioning the right of a lender of secondary creditor to bid the full value of claims in Chapter 11 cases. For banks looking at bankruptcy, this development provides more encouragement to settle with certain debtholders before seeking legal protection.

The National Credit Union Administration has approved the sale of Flint River National Bank in Camilla, Ga., to Five Star Credit Union in Dothan, Ala.

Solera National Bancorp (SLRK) lost its proxy battle at the ballot box, though the Lakewood, Colo., company still hopes it can win in the courtroom.

The Arkansas company has been aggressive this year, agreeing to buy banks with a total of $3.4 billion in assets. The buying spree is partially driven by a currency lifted by a bankruptcy deal Simmons First completed last year.

United Bank in Zebulon, Ga., has agreed to acquire Monroe County Bank in Forsyth, Ga.

Simmons First National (SFNC) in Pine Bluff, Ark., has agreed to buy Liberty Bancshares in Springfield, Mo.

First Horizon National (FHN) in Memphis, Tenn., has agreed to buy 13 branches from Bank of America (BAC).

A unit of Sun Trust Banks (STI) has opened a corporate and investment banking office in Boston.

Poage Bankshares (PBSK) has fended off a proxy challenge from activist investor Joseph Stilwell.

Solera National in Colorado went through a messy proxy fight with its biggest shareholder. The contest prompted the company's OCC examiner to ask for an invitation to the meeting.

A breakdown of M&A announcements in the financial services industry for the week ended May 24.

Royal Bank of Scotland's mission to sell its U.S. banking arm Citizens Financial Group to outside investors just got a major boost.

Intuit Inc. has entered an agreement to buy Check for $360 million, adding payment capabilities to its online and mobile personal financial management (PFM) offerings.

Several banks have thrived on failed-bank acquisitions since the financial crisis. Here are the most active shoppers, in terms of the number of failures they have bid on, based on data from SNL Financial.

The Ohio Division of Financial Institutions closed Columbia Savings Bank in Cincinnati on Friday.