Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin sells more AFS securities at loss

1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin sells more AFS securities at loss

A second balance sheet restructuring has taken place at 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin in Greenfield. The $553 million-asset company said in a press release that it sold $28.1 million of lower-yielding investment securities for a $2.7 million pretax loss. The proceeds were redeployed into about $28.7 million of U.S. government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities. The move should generate $1 million of additional pretax earnings on an annualized basis. The loss from the

December 8, 2023
Former KeyCorp CFO joins board at Atlantic Union in Virginia

Former KeyCorp CFO joins board at Atlantic Union in Virginia

Atlantic Union Bankshares in Richmond, Va., has added a former chief financial officer at KeyCorp to its board. The $21 billion-asset company disclosed in a regulatory filing that Donald Kimble was one of three new directors. Atlantic Union expanded its board to 14 directors to accommodate the additions. Kimble was also Key’s vice chairman when he retired in May. The other new directors are Paul Engola, deputy group president of

December 8, 2023
Atlantic Union in Va. addresses overdraft issue with CFPB order

Atlantic Union in Va. addresses overdraft issue with CFPB order

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has ordered Atlantic Union Bankshares to pay $6.2 million to address concerns with the Richmond, Va., company’s overdraft fees. The CFPB said in a press release an enforcement action is requiring the $21 billion-asset Atlantic Union Bank to refund at least $5 million in overdraft fees and pay a $1.2 million penalty to the bureau’s victims relief fund. “Atlantic Union Bank harvested millions of dollars

December 7, 2023
OCC emphasizes risk management in BNPL guidance

OCC emphasizes risk management in BNPL guidance

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued guidance that focuses on the risk management tied to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platforms. The guidance, which applies to national banks and federal savings associations, emphasizes the importance of underwriting, repayment terms, pricing and safeguards to minimize “adverse customer outcomes.” “Supporting a fair and inclusive financial system is a priority for the OCC and is critical to maintaining trust in

December 7, 2023
Gorham Savings, Maine Community announce merger

Gorham Savings, Maine Community announce merger

Gorham Savings Bank in Maine and Maine Community Bank in Biddeford have agreed to merge. The $1.6 billion-asset Gorham Savings and the $1.1 billion-asset Maine Community said in a press release that the combined mutual will be based in Portland, Maine. It will retain the Maine Community brand. The merger is expected to close in the third quarter. The price wasn’t disclosed. Steve deCastro, Gorham Savings’ president and CEO, will

December 7, 2023
Former Guaranty Federal execs behind Mo. de novo effort

Former Guaranty Federal execs behind Mo. de novo effort

Two former executives at Guaranty Federal Bancshares are behind an effort to create a new bank in Carthage, Mo. Jeffrey Williams and Carter Peters were listed as founders of the proposed Four States Bank in a legal notice filed with the Joplin Globe. Their application with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. wasn’t immediately available. Peters was chief financial officer at Guaranty Federal Bancshares from August 2005 to May 2022, according

December 7, 2023
Tenn. appeals court rules in favor of credit union-bank deal

Tenn. appeals court rules in favor of credit union-bank deal

A Tennessee appeals court unanimously ruled that Orion Federal Credit Union in Memphis, Tenn., can buy Financial Federal Bank in Memphis. The $1.2 billion-asset Orion agreed in August 2021 to buy the $950 million-asset Financial Federal, but the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions obtained an injunction to block the transaction. A judge ruled in May 2022 that the deal should go through because Orion was buying loans and deposits –

December 6, 2023
Equity in Kan. buying Mo. bank, selling AFS securities

Equity in Kan. buying Mo. bank, selling AFS securities

Equity Bancshares in Wichita, Kan., has agreed to buy Rockhold Bancorp in Kirksville, Mo. The $4.9 billion-asset Equity also said in a press release that it sold $442 million of available-for-sale securities at an after-tax loss of $38.2 million. Proceeds will be redeployed in cash, investment and loan assets – producing $16.2 million of annual interest income going forward. Equity will pay $44.3 million in cash for the parent of the $406

December 6, 2023