TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
Neil Ferguson 
Corpus Christi-based American Bank has completed its acquisition of San Antonio-based TexStar National Bank after a successful core systems conversion in late March. TexStar National Bank, its clients and six San Antonio-area branches are now fully integrated and part of the American Bank system. The acquisition, which received regulatory approval and became effective in October … Read more
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has appointed Seth Searls vice president of financial sector and policy analysis in the research department. His appointment is effective May 1. He will lead a team providing insights on global financial market developments, specifically relating to monetary policy. Searls joins the bank from the Federal Reserve Bank of New … Read more
On March 28, two West Texas community banks came together to support a mission that will improve the lives of teachers, first responders and the Midland Memorial Medical staff by providing affordable housing opportunities in Midland. Midland-based Community National Bank and West Texas National Bank, both known for their philanthropic efforts in the Permian Basin, … Read more
Houston-based Central Bank recently announced the hiring of two seasoned bankers to serve on the commercial banking team as senior vice presidents. Will Neuhaus has joined Central Bank as senior vice president/commercial banking. He has focused his financial services career on treasury management, as well as commercial/industrial and not-for-profit lending. Neuhaus’ previous experience includes role … Read more
Longtime banker Blake Boyd, president of Lubbock-based Peoples Bank, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on April 8. He was 61. He spent the last several years of his life fighting lung cancer, although he never smoked a day in his life. Boyd began his banking career in 1980 at Lubbock National … Read more
Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank has opened a new location in Plano. The bank calls itself a “values-based organization committed to helping people live a lifestyle [the bank describes as] ‘Spend Life Wisely’—centered around four pillars: faith, financial well-being, health and wellness, and personal growth.” In April, the bank is hosting grand-opening events, inviting the … Read more
Leawood, Kansas-based CrossFirst Bank has announced plans to enter the Fort Worth market. The bank received regulatory approval to open a full-service bank at 100 Throckmorton St., Ste. 150. It operates a temporary office at 420 Throckmorton St., Ste. 250, with plans to relocate to its permanent Fort Worth location in late summer 2023. Experienced banking … Read more
On March 2, Laredo-based Commerce Bank announced that Ignacio Urrabazo Jr., president and CEO, has been appointed to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Community Bank Advisory Council (CBAC). In this role, he will provide valuable insights and recommendations on various consumer financial issues, including lending practices, consumer protection and regulatory compliance. The CBAC, composed … Read more
Branches The OCC reports that First National Bank Texas, based in Killeen, has applied to establish a branch at 8538 IH 35 S, Ste. 120, in San Antonio. The TDB reports that Texas Regional Bank, based in Harlingen, has established a branch at 10635 Louetta Rd. in Houston.
Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by Texas Republic Bank NA, based in Frisco, to establish a branch near the intersection of FM 455 and U.S. Hwy. 377 in Pilot Point. The OCC reports that First Financial Bank NA, based in Abilene, has relocated a branch from 1716 Briarcrest Dr., Ste. 400, … Read more