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The article discusses concerns about falling oil prices among banks in Texas that have made loans to hotels and other businesses that cater to workers in the state's energy industry. Mutual of Omaha Bank and Cadence Bank in Houston are among banks keeping a closer watch on the businesses they have issued loans to. The Texas Department of Banking is monitoring several small banks believed to have particularly heavy exposure to the energy industry.

The article notes that the U.S. Treasury Department has increased its scrutiny of companies such as Mt. Gox that let consumer buy and sell virtual currencies, and reports that state regulators in Texas and New York are considering licensing requirements for the firms. One virtual-currency company, Liberty Reserve, has been accused by U.S. Federal prosecutors of money-laundering.

The article reports that Main Street Bank in Kingwood, Texas plans to give up its bank charter and go out of business. Chairman Thomas Depping said dealing with banking regulators has become too difficult. Depping plans to start a new lending company called Ascentium Capital that will not be subject to regulator oversight.

The article reports that financial institution Sterling Bancshares Inc. of Texas is seeking a buyer. Sterling has solicited bids, with the winning bid expected to be in the neighborhood of $825 million. Financial-services firms BB&T Corp. and Comerica Inc. have previously indicated an interest and may be among the bidders.