Candescent in Atlanta has a new leader. The platform said in a press release that Jason Edelboim had become its CEO, succeeding Brendan Tansill, who stepped down. Edelboim was CEO of iCIMS, an AI platform for talent acquisition. "Banking is moving from digital to intelligent, and Candescent is at the forefront of this shift," Edelboim said in a press release. "The winners will be the institutions and the platforms that

Keweenaw Financial in Hancock, Mich., has agreed to buy Range Financial in Marquette, Mich. Keweenaw, the parent of the $1.1 billion-asset Superior National Bank, said in a press release that it plans to buy the $635 million-asset holding company for Range Bank in the fourth quarter. The price of the all-stock deal wasn't disclosed. Range Bank has eight branches. Five Range Bank directors will join Keweenaw's board. Jamey Markham, Range

Colony Bankcorp in Fitzgerald, Ga., has agreed to buy First Reliance Bancshares in Florence, S.C. The $3.9 billion-asset Colony said in a press release that it will pay $163 million in stock for the $1.1 billion-asset First Reliance. The deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter, priced First Reliance at 162% of its tangible book value. “This partnership represents a truly transformational milestone for both Colony and

Organizers of the proposed TriCoast Bank in Burbank, Calif., have received conditional approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The group must raise $25 million in capital before the bank can open. Organizers originally applied with the FDIC and state regulator in October.

BCB Bancorp in Bayonne, N.J., has suspended its quarterly dividend as its new CEO looks to shore up capital. The company said ina press release that the suspension applies to common and preferred stock. The board also voted to suspend its 2026 amended and restated dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan. "We will be undergoing a fulsome evaluation of the bank’s credit portfolios, which will take some time," Tom O'Brien,

Ion Financial in Naugatuck, Conn., has agreed to absorb Cooperative Bank in Boston. The $2.8 billion-asset Ion said in a press release that the $540 million-asset Cooperative will continue to operate as a division. Cooperative President and CEO John Battaglia will join Ion as president of the new division. The banks will create a $2.5 million charitable foundation to support local communities served by the Massachusetts branches. Performance Trust Capital

North Shore Bank in Brookfield, Wis., has agreed to buy 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin in Greenfield. The $2.5 billion-asset North Shore said in a press release that it will pay $18.40 to $18.66 a share in cash for the parent of the $598 million-asset PyraMax Bank. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter. “This is a natural fit between two organizations that believe in community banking at

South Plains Financial in Lubbock, Texas, will end this year with new leadership. The company said in a press release that Cory Newsom will become its CEO on Dec. 31. Newsom South Plains' president, will succeed Curtis Griffith, who will retire. “Our leadership transition has been the result of many years of deliberate planning, and Cory has been instrumental throughout that process," Griffith said in the release. "He has been