TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
On May 4, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2026 Emerging Leader Awards. Nominated by their bank’s president, CEO or board chair, these rising stars were selected for their exceptional leadership, commitment to service and impact on the banking industry. “These honorees are … Read more
On May 22, Charles G. Cooper, commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking, announced the opening of Houston-based Houston Bank & Trust, the first de novo state bank charter approved since April 2022. The bank is anticipated to serve customers primarily in the Houston MSA, with a focus on Harris and Montgomery counties. Houston Bank … Read more
Killeen-based First National Bank Texas recently marked its 125th anniversary with a celebration recognizing the bank’s long history and continuing role in the communities it serves. Established in 1901—only 19 years after the city of Killeen was established—the bank has grown from a Central Texas community bank into an institution with more than $4.5 billion … Read more
On May 13, Lubbock-based Victory Bank announced that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire a 40 percent ownership stake in McDonald Capital Management (MCM), a Lubbock-based, fee-only investment management firm with more than $350 million in assets under management. The agreement marks Victory Bank’s formal entry into wealth management. Established in 1990, McDonald … Read more
On May 27, Legend Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Bowie-based Legend Bank NA, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Graham-based Graham Savings and Loan SSB, a Texas community bank founded in 1934. Graham Savings and Loan operates three full-service locations in Graham, Breckenridge and Possum Kingdom, and reports approximately … Read more
On April 13, TNB Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Mercedes-based Texas National Bank, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Zapata Bancshares Inc. and its bank subsidiary, Zapata-based Zapata National Bank. This acquisition aligns with Texas National Bank’s 2025 expansion into Starr County through the acquisition Roma-based Citizens State Bank. The … Read more
Members of the Texas Bankers Association (TBA) are gathering in Dallas, May 20–22, for the organization’s 141st Annual Convention, being held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. With the theme that touts the Lone Star State as the “Land of Opportunity—America’s New Financial Capital,” the group has a full slate of education sessions, featured speakers, … Read more
On May 6, Henderson-based VeraBank announced the recipients of its 2026 Scholarship Program, awarding five $2,500 scholarships to exceptional students whose parents are part of the VeraBank family. This year’s scholarship recipients are: Coy Becka, senior at Caldwell High School, Caldwell (son of Melanie Becka); Zachary Leonard, senior at Westlake High School, Austin (son of … Read more
On April 28, Bastrop Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Bastrop-based First National Bank of Bastrop, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Columbus Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Columbus-based The First State Bank, for cash consideration. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026. According to … Read more
Registration for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ (IBAT) 41st Annual Connecting Leaders Conference, the IBAT Leadership Division’s flagship event, is now open. Texas community bankers are encouraged to attend the family-friendly event being held June 25–27 at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock. IBAT’s Connecting Leaders Conference brings together rising community bank leaders for … Read more