First Internet Bancorp in Fishers, Ind., plans to exit the consumer mortgage business. The $4.3 billion-asset company said in a press release that the decision reflects a “steep decline in mortgage volumes and the negative outlook for mortgage lending over the next several years.” The exit, which will take place in the first quarter, includes the company’s nationwide digital direct-to-consumer platform that originates residential loans for sale in the secondary

PBCO Financial in Medford, Ore., will have a new CEO this summer. The $800 million-asset parent of People’s Bank of Commerce said in a press release that Julie Beattie, its president, will succeed Ken Trautman as CEO on July 1. Trautman, who is retiring, will remain on the company’s board. Trautman co-founded the bank with Mike Sickels in 1998. "We are indebted to Ken for his dedicated service and leadership

Signature Bank of Arkansas in Fayetteville has promoted an insider to oversee its mortgage operations. The $935 million-asset unit of White River Bancshares said in a press release that Kim Whedbee has become president of its mortgage division. She succeeded Christine Morrison, who has taken on a role in Signature’s human resources department. Whedbee, who joined the bank in 2014, has served as a mortgage lender and underwriter. “We’re always

Cullen/Frost Bankers in San Antonio, Texas, is moving forward with a return to mortgage lending. The $52.3 billion-asset company said in a press release that it closed its first loan under a mortgage pilot program that largely included its own employees. It has been more than 20 years since Cullen/Frost had a meaningful presence in mortgages. “That's just the start of many good things ahead of us this year,” Phil

The Independent Community Bankers of America has hired a director for its ThinkTECH Accelerator. The banking association said in a press release that Stephanie Foster will be responsible for planning and executing the day-to-day operations of the accelerator’s programs. Foster previously served as chief administrative officer for XY Planning Network, an advisory service for Gen Y and Gen Z clients. She has also held management roles at Finastra, Fiserv and

ChoiceOne Financial Services in Sparta, Mich., plans to launch an enhanced treasury services online platform this year. The $2.4 billion-asset company said in a press release that the new platform will target midsize businesses and municipalities that require enhanced reporting, security and payment capabilities.  The company also said it opened a loan production office in Oakland County, Mich, during the fourth quarter. The office will include commercial and mortgage lenders.

A well-known activist investor plans to nominate a director candidate to stand for election at the upcoming annual meeting of Peoples Financial in Biloxi, Miss. Stilwell Group in New York disclosed in a regulatory filing that it plans to nominate Rodney Blackwell, with Stewart Peck as its alternate nominee. “We believe management and the directors have ill-served the issuer’s shareholders, and the issuer should explore all possibilities to maximize shareholder

First Internet Bancorp in Fishers, Ind., has made progress with several fintech clients as it ramps up its Banking-as-a-Service platform. The $4.3 billion-asset company said in a press release that, during the fourth quarter, it went live with Increase and it provided payments services for Ramp’s small business bill pay product. First Internet also said it expects its partnership with Treasury Prime to be fully implemented in the first quarter