First State Bank in Gainseville, Texas., entered into a sale-leaseback transaction for half of its properties. The $1.8 billion-asset bank agreed to sell seven locations to MountainSeed Real Estate Services in Atlanta for about $32 million. First State entered into a 15-year lease with renewal options. The transaction "enabled First State ... to unlock substantial equity from our long-term real estate holdings," Brian McCain, the bank's chief financial officer, said

Wise US will pay a $4.2 million penalty to resolve a dispute with six state financial regulators. The unit of U.K. company Wise PLC also agreed to address deficiencies in its anti-money laundering program as part of the settlement with regulators from California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, and Texas. Wise will conduct a lookback for previously closed accounts, enhance its reporting procedures for suspicious activity, strengthen its due diligence

First Northwest Bancorp in Port Angeles, Wash., has made a change at the top. The $2.2 billion-asset company said in a press release that Matthew Deines had resigned as president and CEO and stepped down from its board. Geraldine Bullard, the company's chief operating officer, was named interim CEO. “As we begin the executive search for Matt’s replacement, we have full confidence in Geri to lead the organization during this

Webster Five in Auburn, Mass., has a new leader. The $1 billion-asset bank said in a LinkedIn post that Brian Westerlind had become its president and CEO. Westerlind, who was the bank's chief financial officer, succeeded Don Doyle, who retired. “Webster Five is ... a vital part of the communities we serve, a committed partner to local businesses, and a trusted financial resource for our customers and the broader community,"

Capital One Financial in McLean, Va., is shutting down Discover’s home equity lending business. A notification at the top of the Discover Home Loans website states that the business "is no longer accepting applications for new home equity or mortgage refinance loans, although we will continue to process applications that are in progress.” The message directs people with pending applications or current loans to a page with contact information. Capital

Waypoint Bank in Cozad, Neb., has agreed to buy a branch in Sutton, Neb., from Astra Bank in Scandia, Kan. The $373 million-asset Waypoint said in a press release that it expects to buy the branch later this summer. The price wasn't disclosed. “We’re excited to welcome Sutton into the Waypoint Bank family,” Tim Sladek, the bank's chairman, president, and CEO, said in the release. “This expansion strengthens our branch

Brandon Luetkenhaus was named president and CEO of the Nebraska Credit Union League. Luetkenhaus succeeded Scott Sullivan, who retired on June 30. “I am excited to work with Brandon and appreciate his extensive League dedication," Robin Larson, president and CEO of Cobalt Credit Union and the league's chair. "His experience and leadership qualities are exceptional. He is well-known in the credit union industry and is a strong voice for all

Bank of Hillsboro in Illinois is rebranding. The $646 million-asset bank said it will become Constitution Bank on Sept. 2. “Constitution Bank is more than a name change, it’s a renewed commitment to who we’ve always been,” Misty Borrowman, the bank's president and CEO, said in a press release. “We remain locally owned and community-focused, with the same trusted people and the same commitment to the customers and communities we