Banking

Astoria Financial in Lake Success, N.Y., reported a 40% increase in second-quarter earnings as stronger fee income from mortgages helped it overcome a considerable shrinkage in loans.

Ares Management LP and Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors LP are merging to create Ares Kayne Management LP, an alternative investment group whose $113 billion in assets will rank it among the world's biggest private equity firms. Ares Management's real estate group provides debt and equity financing for commercial properties.

F.N.B. in Pittsburgh reported higher second-quarter profit as it booked more commercial real estate and business loans.

National Penn Bancshares in Allentown, Pa., said its second-quarter profit improved as increased real estate lending offset higher expenses.

Old Republic International Corp. doubled its title insurance revenue during the second quarter, while First American Corp.'s commercial title business was a significant driver of growth.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's new integrated disclosure regulations could pose problems for warehouse line providers along with their mortgage lender clients.

Huntington Bancshares in Columbus, Ohio, reported higher quarterly in profit that reflected higher in mortgage banking fees and steady loan growth.

Bankers were pleased with the dramatic leap in home lending last quarter, but they cautioned that volume will slow in the second half as rate increases curb refinancings, nonbanks provide stiffer competition, servicing costs remain high and underwriting standards change.

HomeTrust Bancshares has hired Kristin Powell as senior vice president and director of mortgage lending. She now holds the position alongside John Myers, who has been with the Ashville, N.C. bank for more than 30 years.

Clients of commercial real estate crowdfunding platform Selequity can now get short-term financing from CRE lender Virtual Realty Enterprises.

Wellington Denahan is stepping down as chief executive officer of Annaly Capital Management Inc., the largest real estate investment trust that buys mortgage debt.

Synovus Financial in Columbus, Ga., reported higher second-quarter income tied to a lower loan-loss provision.

Angel Oak Home Loans in Atlanta has opened multiple branches across the state of Florida as part of its nationwide expansion.

United Wholesale Mortgage has begun offering interest-only mortgages through its third party origination channels.

Community Housing Capital in Decatur, Ga., has received a $100 million line of credit dedicated for the development and preservation of affordable housing from a syndicate organized by Morgan Stanley.

Loan officer Eric Rotner's first boss made him understand the entire origination process, which has given him an edge against his competition.

So-called shadow lenders have been making an increasing number of leveraged loans to midsize businesses. Now their involvement is growing in commercial real estate, a market that scorched traditional lenders when it blew up after the 2008 financial crisis.

Umpqua Holdings in Portland, Ore., reported higher second-quarter profit, citing lower merger costs and growth in residential real estate lending and equipment finance.

Webster Financial in Waterbury, Conn., reported second-quarter profit of $50.5 million, a 12% jump from a year ago, as mortgage banking revenue improved.

Wintrust Financial in Rosemont, Ill. reported higher second-quarter profit due to loan portfolio growth and higher mortgage banking revenues.