TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
Kenneth Kuntschik, regional director of the San Antonio office for the Texas Department of Banking, is retiring with more than 22 years of service with the agency. His retirement will be effective August 31. “Kenneth has served for almost 37 years as a banking regulator,” notes Charles G. Cooper, commissioner. “He has been a valuable … 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
On March 30, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced that Yoakum-based Yoakum National Bank has completed its conversion to a Texas state-chartered bank from a national banking association. Under its new charter, the bank will begin operating as Yoakum Bank. The bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yoakum National Bancshares Inc., was originally chartered … Read more
Daniel Frasier, director of the Texas Department of Banking’s corporate activities and financial innovation, is retiring after 18 years of state service. His retirement is effective June 30, 2026. “We congratulate Dan on this career milestone and wish him a happy retirement,” says Charles G. Cooper, commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking. “We appreciate … Read more
On December 1, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced that Lockhart-based First-Lockhart National Bank has completed its conversion to a Texas state-chartered bank from a national banking association. The bank began operating as First Lockhart Bank under its new charter effective December 1. The bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockhart Bankshares Inc., was … Read more
On October 1, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced that Bells-based Cendera Bank National Association has completed its conversion to a Texas state-chartered bank from a national banking association. The bank began operating as Cendera Bank under its new charter effective October 1. The bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cendera Financial Holdings Inc. … Read more
On August 15, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced the appointment of two deputy commissioners, Jared A. Whitson and Jesus “Jesse” Saucillo, to the Texas Department of Banking. These structural changes also include the elevation of Deputy Commissioner Wendy Rodriguez to executive deputy commissioner. Whitson has served the department for more than 21 years, … Read more
Charles G. Cooper, commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking, announced the appointment of Lilliana R. Abbassi as director of strategic support. She will oversee staff responsible for developing examination policy and procedures; administering examiner training activities and the commissioning process; the consumer assistance activities relating to state-chartered bank and trust companies; the department’s financial … Read more
The Texas Bankers Hall of Fame on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville held its Annual Gala on May 1. Five iconic bankers—Sam H. Burris Jr., Charles G. Cooper, Harvey P. Hartenstine, Robert W. “Bobby” Hoxworth and William A. Nesbitt—were inducted. Established by the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking at Sam Houston State University, the Texas Bankers … Read more
On March 18, Harvey P. Hartenstine, president and chief banking executive of San Antonio-based Broadway Bank, and David McGee, Houston-based Amegy Bank’s Central Texas CEO, were inducted into the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame, along with Elaine Mendoza, founder, president and CEO of Conceptual MindWorks Inc. The prestigious honor, presented annually by Junior Achievement … Read more