Charles G. Cooper, commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking, announced the appointment of Lilliana R. Abbassi as director of strategic support. She will oversee staff responsible for developing examination policy and procedures; administering examiner training activities and the commissioning process; the consumer assistance activities relating to state-chartered bank and trust companies; the department’s financial literacy efforts; and producing legislative testimony and various talking points, reports, news releases and industry notices.

Abbassi began her career with the Texas Department of Banking in 2016 as an assistant bank examiner in the Dallas regional office. In 2021, she relocated to the Houston regional office, achieving the position of commissioned examiner shortly thereafter. In 2024, Abbassi took on a new role as examiner resource and policy coordinator, working to refine and review department policies and examination-related policies and procedures. She has also been responsible for tracking legislation throughout the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Abbassi received a bachelor’s degree in finance with a certificate in commercial banking. She has been involved with the commercial banking program at Texas A&M University since graduating from the program and has represented the department on several occasions.

“I am pleased to have Ms. Abbassi join the department’s management team,” Cooper says. “Her strong appreciation for teamwork, positive attitude and overall experience will serve both the division and the department well.”