Conference of State Bank Supervisors Updates Ransomware Self-Assessment Tool

The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) has released an update (version 2.0) to the Ransomware Self-Assessment Tool (R-SAT) for financial institutions. The R-SAT, which was developed in collaboration with the Bankers Electronic Crimes Task Force, state bank regulators and the U.S. Secret Service, was originally released in October 2020. According to the Texas Department … Read more

Victory Bank Opens for Business in Lubbock

On October 16, Lubbock-based Victory Bank opened its doors for business following the successful acquisition of Security State Bank of Winters by Victory Financial Corp., the new bank’s holding company. Victory Bank’s headquarters are located at 4710 4th St. in Lubbock. The company is led by former Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope, executive chair; C. Brett … Read more

FirstBank Southwest Launches Banking Advisory Council to Nurture Career Opportunities and Evolve

Amarillo-based FirstBank Southwest has created a 15-member Banking Advisory Council (BAC) to help understand the future of banking through the eyes of students. The council is made up of high school seniors at Amarillo ISD, Canyon ISD and Bushland ISD, as well as freshmen and sophomore students at Amarillo College. Members were chosen during a … Read more

First Federal Community Bank Celebrates 100 Years with Texas Historical Marker

In the aftermath of the Great War and the devastating fire of 1916 that left Paris, Texas, in disarray, a group of community leaders banded together to devise a plan for the city’s recovery. In 1922, they founded the Paris Savings and Loan Association—now First Federal Community Bank—with a mission to promote home ownership and … Read more

Texas Regional Bank Enters Southlake Market

Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank has expanded its branch network in Tarrant County by opening a new banking center in Southlake. With this expansion, the bank has 31 banking centers across Texas, with six in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Mimi Tran, Southlake market president, will lead this new location, which will include the company’s new private … Read more

Austin Bank Breaks Ground on Full-Service Banking Center in Montgomery

On October 12, Jacksonville-based Austin Bank broke ground on a new full-service banking center in Montgomery at the corner of Hwy. 105 W and Blue Heron Dr. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, area business leaders, the Austin Bank leadership team and employees, along with the SLI Group Inc. … Read more

First Financial Bank NA Applies to Convert to Texas State Charter

Abilene-based First Financial Bankshares Inc. has announced that its subsidiaries, First Financial Bank NA and First Financial Trust and Asset Management Co. NA, have each filed applications with the Texas Department of Banking to convert to a Texas state banking association and a Texas-chartered trust company, respectively. The bank has been a national bank since … Read more

Texas Regional Bank Acquires Smith-Reagan Insurance

Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank recently announced its acquisition of Smith-Reagan Insurance, a leading provider of commercial insurance services based in Cameron County. The acquisition expands the bank’s insurance offerings and positions it to provide a broader range of commercial insurance solutions to businesses of all sizes. The acquisition is part of the Texas Regional Bank’s … Read more

Amegy Bank’s Enriching Tomorrow Expands Statewide to 200 Texas Students This Fall

Houston-based Amegy Bank’s Enriching Tomorrow program, which encourages the pursuit of education among students from Title I middle schools, is set to expand this fall into Central Texas and Dallas/Fort Worth after a successful launch year in Houston. The original curriculum provides students with access to business leaders, financial education and innovative pathways to success. … Read more

SWGSB’s 157th Assembly for Bank Directors Heading to Hawaii in February

Here are some of the other activities, experiences and excursions attendees can enjoy: Whaler’s Village (five- to eight-minute oceanfront walk from the hotel) Hawaiian Wildlife Discovery Center Maui Escape Room  Dining and shopping Other activities in Ka’Anapali and on the island: Zipline Tours Beach Olympics/Games Surfing lessons, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkel tours Boat tours (snorkeling, … Read more