Genesis Bank in Newport Beach, Calif., has created a program to support entrepreneurs.The $57 million-asset de novo said in a press release Wednesday that it had formed the Genesis Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship, a business accelerator and advisory division. The group will focus on accelerating entrepreneurship and growth for businesses, government and municipal entities, commercial enterprises and nonprofits. Through partnerships, Genesis would offer trust and estate planning, insurance, leadership development and

Shareholders have approved the pending sale of Pacific Enterprise Bancorp in Irvine, Calif., to of BayCom in Walnut Creek, Calif. The votes had some last-minute drama when Shaul Kopelwitz, a big Pacific Enterprise shareholder, disclosed that he would vote against the $53 million deal. He took issue with the discounted pricing of the acquisition. The $2.1 billion-asset BayCom agreed in September to buy the $647 million-asset Pacific Enterprise. BayCom said it has already

Carver Bancorp in New York has lined up an agreement to sell $20 million of common stock over time.The $707 million-asset company disclosed in a regulatory filing Tuesday that it retained Piper Sandler to handle potential stock sales. Sandler will be paid a 3% commission tied to the aggregate purchase price of each sale. Carver said it is not obligated to sell any stock.

SVB Financial in Santa Clara, Calif., has acquired a sell-side research firm that covers the media, communications and technology sectors. The $190 billion-asset SVB said in a press release Monday that it bought MoffettNathanson in a move that should help its SVB Leerink investment banking business expand its research coverage. SVB did not disclose the price it paid. "The MoffettNathanson team has built an incredible reputation as a leader in equity research," Greg Becker, SVB’s

Heritage Commerce in San Jose, Calif., has a new bank president. The $5.5 billion-asset company said in a press release Monday that Clay Jones had also become the bank’s chief operating officer. Walter Kaczmarek, the company’s president and CEO, will remain the bank’s CEO. “Clay is an exceptional leader and his promotion … places him in a key leadership role to preside over further growth and success of our bank,” Kaczmarek said in

First Republic Bank in San Francisco announced that Chairman and co-CEO Jim Herbert will take a medical leave of absence tied to a coronary health issue.The $172.6 billion-asset bank said in a press release Monday that Herbert’s leave will begin on Jan. 1 and should last about six months. He will also step down from the board, though the bank said he is expected to be reappointed when his leave

Byline Bancorp in Chicago plans to close six branches and sell a portfolio of bank-owned real estate.The $6.7 billion-asset company said in a press release Friday that it will also reduce its office space. The branch closures, which will take place next year, represent about 14% of Byline’s network. The real estate portfolio includes former branch locations and other properties. Byline said it will record $15 million in charges tied to

Ameris Bancorp in Atlanta has acquired a fintech that provides equipment-finance loans to small and midsize businesses. The $22.5 billion-asset company said in a press release Monday that it bought Balboa Capital is Costa Mesa, Calif. Ameris did not disclose the price it paid, though the company said it paid cash. Ameris said the acquisition will increase its dealings in point-of-sale financing. Balboa Capital's originations are expected to exceed $415 million