Here are eight Mass. banks to watch this year

Things are beginning to percolate in the Massachusetts banking scene. While very little has been made official, bankers say a lot of conversations are happening among institutions that could result in a run of consolidation like the industry hasn't seen locally in a number of years. On top of all this is the relentless need for banks to grow. Growth is the only way to stay ahead of compliance and technology costs that seriously threaten profitability and may force small banks into merger talks. Could…