Smith-Johnson Transitions to Manager of Treasury Management Group at WestStar Bank

El Paso-based WestStar Bank has announced the promotion of Giselle Smith-Johnson to vice president/treasury management group manager. She will lead a team of treasury management professionals in improving client experience, product development and risk management. Smith-Johnson has been leading and managing WestStar’s Paycheck Protection Program efforts since joining the bank in February 2021. “I am … Read more

January 2–8, 2022

Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Texas Bank, based in Brownwood, has completed its merger with Texas Bank Financial, based in Weatherford. The combined banks will operate as TexasBank. Main Offices The OCC reports that First National Bank Texas, based in Killeen, has applied to move its main office from 507 N. Gray in … Read more

December 26, 2021–January 1, 2022

Mergers and Acquisitions The OCC reports that Home Bank National Association, based in Lafayette, Louisiana, has applied to acquire Texan Bank National Association, based in Houston. The TDB reports that Texas Regional Bank, based in Harlingen, has applied to acquire AccessBank Texas, based in Denton. Conversions The TDB reports that Texas Exchange Bank, based in … Read more

December 19–25, 2021

Conversions The TDB reports that Bank of Houston, based in Houston, has converted from a national association to a state-chartered bank. Branches The OCC reports that Wells Fargo Bank National Association, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has applied to relocate a branch from 1001 Hwy. 146 S in La Porte to 1307 W. Fairmont … Read more

Texas Finance Commission Appoints Retta Commissioner of Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending

On December 16, the Texas Finance Commission appointed Hector Retta the new commissioner of the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, effective February 1, 2022. Retta, who lives in El Paso, will serve as the 10th commissioner of the department. He previously served as president, CEO and vice chairman of Capital Bank SSB in … Read more

December 12–18, 2021

Conversion The TDB reports that it has approved an application by Texas Exchange Bank, based in Crowley, to convert to a state-chartered bank under the name Texas Exchange Bank SSB. Branches The OCC reports that JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association, based in Columbus, Ohio, has established a branch at 2475 Bay Area Blvd., Bldg. A, … Read more

In Memoriam: Texas Commerce Bank’s Jerry Charles Hughes

Longtime Texas banker Jerry Charles Hughes passed away on December 8. He was 87. In his early 20s, he joined Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust Co. and converted its accounting system to digital. That launched a career in banking, which lasted until his retirement. In 1970, Hughes accepted a position with American National Bank in Beaumont … Read more

December 5–11, 2021

Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by Bank of America National Association, based in Charlotte, to establish a branch at U.S. Highway 380 in Cross Roads. The OCC reports that it has approved an application by JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association, based in Columbus, Ohio, to establish a branch at the … Read more

November 28–December 4, 2021

Mergers and Acquisitions The OCC reports that it has approved an application by The Hondo National Bank, based in Hondo, to merge with Community National Bank, based in Hondo, and operate under the new name TXN Bank National Association. The TDB reports that Citizens State Bank, based in Somerville, has completed its acquisition of Burton … Read more

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Announces Branch Board Appointments

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas recently announced appointments and reappointments to its branch boards in San Antonio, Houston and El Paso. As board members, these individuals provide input on regional economic conditions as part of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy functions. Each of these branch boards consists of seven members—four appointed by the Dallas … Read more