This week's most read content includes articles on Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc.'s proposed acquisition of BNC Bancorp, and Simmons First National Corp.'s proposed acquisition of First Texas BHC Inc.

Trump's regulatory moratorium might leave some agencies alone

The Trump administration notified government agencies to stop any work on new rulemaking, but ambiguity in the memo has some industry observers scratching their heads over what it means for the independent financial regulators.

Pinnacle's play for BNC brings earnings boost but execution risk

The Street largely welcomed Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc.'s transformational acquisition of BNC Bancorp but expressed some caution about the potential execution risk.

New York Community blames 'environment' for Astoria breakup

Shares of New York Community Bancorp Inc. fell after the company announced underwhelming earnings numbers, while the company blamed the termination of its highly anticipated merger with Astoria Financial Corp. on the "environment."

Simmons triples down on M&A, digs deeper into Texas

If there were any lingering doubts about Simmons First National Corp.'s commitment to marching westward into Texas or about its gusto in using acquisitions to get there, the company put them to rest this week with its third deal in as many months.

Banc of California encounters optimism, activism following surprise exec change

Some sell-siders found upside in the Banc of California Inc. disclosures following the resignation of its chairman and CEO, but an activist surfaced pushing for a sale following lost confidence in the board.