Following last summer’s merger of Houston-based CommunityBank of Texas NA and Houston-based Allegiance Bank, the resulting Stellar Bancorp Inc. recently unveiled a logo for the new bank, Stellar Bank, which is expected to open for business in February. According to a press release issued to announce the transaction, the new bank is expected to have more than $11 billion in assets and the sixth-largest deposit market share in Houston.

“Our new logo captures the essence of being stellar and supports our purpose to empower customers, employees, communities and shareholders to thrive,” CEO Robert R. Franklin Jr. was quoted as saying in Beaumont-based The Examiner. “Inspired by the stars in each legacy bank brand, the Stellar Bank logo represents a shining beacon lighting the way to help you achieve your goals. It embodies the openness, insight and guidance that we strive to deliver in the relationships we build and the service we provide.”

The two banks took a purposeful and collaborative approach to the development of the new name. Guided by research and branding consultants, extensive exploration resulted in the name Stellar Bank. “When we heard the name Stellar, it fit,” Franklin says. “We are in a unique position to establish a financial institution with significant scale that operates with the culture of a community bank with local decision-making led by banking professionals with deep expertise. We believe this combination will benefit local businesses throughout our region.”

“Our organizations [CommunityBank of Texas NA and Allegiance Bank] complement each other and share a culture and strategic vision to lead the way to better banking for the communities we serve,” Steve Retzloff, then CEO of Allegiance, said in May 2022. Retzloff now serves as executive chairman of Stellar Bancorp Inc. “The name Stellar Bank reflects our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our customers, employees, communities and shareholders.”