February 2–8, 2025

Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that it has approved an application by Farmers and Merchants Bank, based in De Leon, to acquire Farmers State Bank of Newcastle, based in Newcastle. Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, based in Columbus, Ohio, to establish a branch at … Read more

January 26–February 1, 2025

Mergers and Acquisitions The OCC reports that Community National Bank & Trust of Texas, based in Corsicana, has applied to acquire Captex Bank, based in Fort Worth. The TDB reports that Farmers and Merchants Bank, based in De Leon, has applied to acquire Farmers State Bank of Newcastle, based in Newcastle.

January 19–25, 2025

Mergers and Acquisitions The OCC reports that it has approved an application by Austin Bank NA, based in Jacksonville, to acquire Chasewood Bank, based in Houston. Branches The OCC reports that Amarillo National Bank, based in Amarillo, has applied to establish a branch at 8602 Pineridge Dr. in Amarillo. The OCC reports that Zions Bancorporation … Read more

Newsweek’s List of ‘America’s Best Regional Banks’ Includes 46 Banks in Texas

To honor regional banks that positively impact their communities, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group publish an annual list of “America’s Best Regional Banks [and Credit Unions]”* every December. The publication’s 2025 list includes 46 regional banks that operate in Texas, with 39 banks based in the Lone Star State. As Newsweek states, “Regional banks…are the … Read more

Community Banking Association Elects Harris Chair, Names New Executive Committee and Board

In early October, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Tracy Harris, chief strategic planning and project officer at Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2024–25. She officially accepted the position during the association’s 50th Annual Convention held October 5–8 in San Antonio. In … Read more

Texas Bankers Foundation Announces 2024 Cornerstone and LiFE Award Recipients

The Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, has announced the recipients of its 2024 Cornerstone and Leader in Financial Education (LiFE) Awards. Each of the banks or bankers selected has demonstrated excellence in community involvement or has promoted financial education in its communities. The awards were presented during the May … Read more

Texas Bankers Association Elects 2024–25 Officers and Board

The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) recently announced the elected officers and directors for the 2024–25 board: Chair Jan Mills, First National Bank of Winnsboro; Vice Chair Ron Butler, First Financial Bank in Abilene; Treasurer William Lucas, Shelby Savings Bank in Center; and Past Chair A. Ford Sasser III, of Rio Bank in McAllen. The officers’ … Read more

Laird Retiring as Vice Chair of First State Bank

Jess Laird, vice chairman of Athens-based First State Bank, is retiring on March 12 after 36 years of service. Laird began his banking career with First State Bank in 1988 as a loan officer. In 1999, he was named president and chief executive officer. In 2019, he was elected vice chairman by the First State … Read more

Legend Bank Campaign Named 2023 Best of Show at Best of Community Banking Awards Ceremony

On September 18, Bowie-based Legend Bank received the Best of Show honor during the 2023 Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards presented by the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). The Awards Luncheon, held as part of the organization’s 49 Annual Convention in Frisco, recognized the top 17 recipients of IBAT’s 2023 BOCB Awards. This … Read more

First State Bank Breaks Ground on Banking Center in Forney

On August 7, Athens-based First State Bank broke ground on a new full-service banking center in Forney. Construction of the 4,278-square-foot facility is targeted for completion by the end of the year. Bank executives, along with general contractors with the SLI Group Inc., a fully integrated commercial design firm specializing in financial institutions, were on … Read more