TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Neil Ferguson 
Round Rock-based R Bank has hired Will Matthews to serve as market president in Round Rock. A member of the University of Texas’ Rose Bowl-winning football team and a former player for the NFL’s Detroit Lions, he developed a strong foundation in discipline, teamwork and relationship-building. Following his football career, he worked in nonprofit fundraising, … Read more
Round Rock-based R Bank has promoted Cole McDonald to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Since joining the bank in 2024, he has quickly established himself as a respected leader and trusted resource across the organization. Prior to joining R Bank, McDonald served on the commercial lending team at VeraBank for almost four years. … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced a new addition to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking located at the organization’s headquarters in Austin. Steve Scurlock, IBAT’s former government affairs director, was presented with the honor during the association’s recent convention in San Antonio. The Wall of Heroes and … Read more
Robert Smith III, a distinguished public servant, naval officer and devoted family man, passed away on October 3 in Dallas at the age of 86. He spent much of his career in service to the Federal Reserve System. After earning his BS degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University, Smith pursued further studies at … Read more
By Pankaj Sarda | CSI Fraud rarely announces itself with one obvious event. It could start with a small, unfamiliar debit card charge or an urgent wire request. Those warnings may reach different teams or even a vendor. Without holistic visibility, that separation gives fraud room to grow into a more serious attack. To battle … Read more
We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Chief Administrative/Strategic Officer to join our executive leadership team and help shape the next chapter of our community bank. A retirement has created an opening for this executive position. The Chief Administrative/Strategic Officer will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive team, … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Lone Star Bank, based in Houston, has applied to merge with Journey Financial Group Inc., based in Montgomery. Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by Community National Bank, based in Midland, to establish a branch at 1600 Montgomery St. in Fort Worth. The OCC … Read more
Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by First National Bank Texas, based in Killeen, to establish a branch at 9238 N. Loop 1604 W in San Antonio. The OCC reports that it has approved an application by First National Bank and Trust Company of Weatherford, based in Weatherford, to establish a … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2026 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. This year, 24 community banks participated in the program, with 42 entries receiving awards. Now in its 35th year, the Best of Community Banking Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks … Read more
On September 14, Houston-based Third Coast Bank announced the appointment of Bernardo “Bernie” Lacayo as executive vice president/head of corporate banking. He joined the bank in March. Lacayo brings more than three decades of banking and financial services experience, with a track record of building corporate and middle-market banking businesses, developing specialized lending capabilities and … Read more