TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Neil Ferguson 
On June 22, Henderson-based VeraBank opened its second full-service branch in Austin. The new location, at 14951 Avery Ranch Blvd., serves the rapidly growing Avery Ranch community and surrounding Northwest Austin, Cedar Park and Round Rock areas. To commemorate the opening, the bank will hold an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony later this year. This … Read more
In June, San Antonio-based Vantage Bank announced the appointment of Alejandro “Alex” Martinez as its new Brownsville market president. With more than 24 years of experience in commercial banking, sales and marketing—including 22 years serving Cameron County—he will lead the bank’s efforts throughout the Brownsville region. Martinez holds a bachelor’s degree in international marketing from … Read more
In June, Houston-based Gulf Capital Bank announced that longtime Houston banker Brent Harraman has joined the bank as senior vice president/business banking director. Harrraman joins Gulf Capital Bank after serving for more than 14 years at Comerica Bank. His last position there was as senior vice president, regional director/small-business banking for Texas, Arizona and Florida. … Read more
On June 9, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced appointments and reappointments of four individuals to the Finance Commission of Texas, among them a Texas community banker. The commission is the governing body of the state’s banking, savings and loan, and consumer credit agencies. William “Chip” Jenkins, one of those newly appointed to the commission, is … Read more
Omaha, Nebraska-based Security National Bank of Texas has announced the promotion of a new leader for the bank’s commercial lending team and a new hire for SBA sales management. Ian Smith has been promoted to senior vice president/commercial lending team lead. He is based at the bank’s financial center at The Union in Dallas. In … Read more
The Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, has announced the 22 recipients of the 2026 50-Year Banker Awards. Each of the bankers selected is recognized for their exemplary and long-standing service to the banking industry. Launched in 1989 by the Texas Bankers Association, the 50-Year Banker Awards honor those who … Read more
Arlene Carroll has joined the leadership team at San Antonio-based Vantage Bank to serve as executive vice president and El Paso market president. A native El Pasoan with family roots spanning more than 100 years in the area, she began her banking journey as a part-time teller while earning her degree at the University of … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University 2026 summer session wrapped up June 5 with a commencement ceremony for SWGSB Class LXVII at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB, delivered the commencement address to more than 350 guests celebrating 82 graduates from … Read more
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based MidFirst Bank, the largest privately owned bank in the nation, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dallas Capital Bank. Dallas Capital Bank, with $1.2 billion in assets, provides entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals with elevated banking service. Since its founding, the bank has grown under the leadership … Read more
Branches The OCC reports that Moody National Bank, based in Galveston, has applied to establish a branch at 107 Old River Rd. in Montgomery. The OCC reports that West Texas National Bank, based in Midland, has applied to establish a branch at 710 N. Big Spring St. in Midland. The OCC reports that it has … Read more