TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS



August 17–23, 2025

Branches The OCC reports that SouthState Bank NA, based in Winter Haven, Florida, has established a branch at 1409 Botham Jean Blvd. in Dallas. The OCC reports that it has approved an application by JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, based in Columbus, Ohio, to establish a branch at the southeast corner of Woodridge Dr. and Gulf … Read more

August 10–16, 2025

Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Liberty Capital Bank, based in Addison, has applied to merge with Texas Heritage Bank, based in Boerne. The TDB reports that Maverick Bank, based in Fort Davis, has applied to merge with Tejas Bank, based in Monahans. Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by … Read more

Community Bankers Saddle Up for Fort Worth Convention in September

Community bankers from across the state will gather in Fort Worth later this month for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 51st Annual Convention, a perfect opportunity for education, networking and inspiration for those shaping the future of Texas community banking. Set for September 20–23 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, the convention will feature … Read more

Gulf Capital Bank Appoints Smith Advisory Director on Bank’s Board

On July 21, Houston-based Gulf Capital Bank announced that Bob S. Smith has been appointed an advisory director on its board of directors. He retired recently from the Texas Department of Banking for which he served as a review examiner. He has more than 12 years of experience with the Texas Department of Banking and … Read more

IBC Bank Houston Names Samples Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Jeff Samples, president of Laredo-based IBC Bank Houston, has been promoted to chairman and CEO in Houston. With more than 40 years of banking experience, he currently oversees the commercial banking department, which has more than $1.5 billion in funded loans, and is personally responsible for a loan portfolio of over $1 billion in loan … Read more

Marshall Joins PlainsCapital Bank as Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking and Public Finance

Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank announced that it has hired Hudson Marshall as executive vice president/commercial banking and public finance. He will lead the continued growth of the bank’s commercial middle-market business in Dallas and oversee its public finance strategy. He will work closely with HilltopSecurities, PlainsCapital’s sister company, to provide tailored capital solutions for governmental, institutional … Read more

VeraBank Welcomes Leonard as Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker in Austin

Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Dan Leonard for its commercial banking team. He will serve as senior vice president/commercial banker and office at the downtown Austin location. He has more than 22 years of experience serving the Austin business community. His responsibilities include commercial lending and deposit services, while also collaborating with commercial customers to deliver … Read more

First Bank Texas Appoints Drennan Chief Lending Officer

On August 18, Weatherford-based First Bank Texas announced the hiring of Mark Drennan to serve as chief lending officer. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in commercial banking across North Texas, he will oversee lending across the bank’s growing network of locations, working closely with commercial banking, commercial real estate, mortgage and consumer … Read more

First National Bank of Giddings Celebrates 135 Years of Service

The First National Bank of Giddings is celebrating a milestone this year—135 years of serving Lee County’s residents and businesses. To mark the anniversary, the bank hosted a festive block‑party on July 11 featuring music, giveaways, food and a live KTEX‑106 broadcast complete with a “Wagon Wheel of Prizes.” The event offered an opportunity to … Read more