Vista Bank Receives Coveted ‘Outstanding’ CRA Rating from Federal Reserve System

In August, Dallas-based Vista Bank received the Federal Reserve System’s highest rating of “Outstanding” during a recent Community Reinvestment Act examination. Each year, only 13 percent of banks in the U.S. get the highest rating from the Federal Reserve. During a fiscal year that saw considerable challenges for the entire banking sector, the “Outstanding” rating … Read more

Unlocking Growth: A Practical Guide to Leveraging Your Bank’s Data

By ACHIM GRIESEL and DR. SEAN PAYANT In the digital age, financial institutions find themselves sitting on a goldmine of data—a treasure trove with the potential to revolutionize the way they operate. From understanding consumer spending habits to predicting financial needs, institutions want to leverage that data to drive success in an ever-evolving industry. Before … Read more

American National Bank of Texas to Open New LPO in South Dallas this Fall

Terrell-based American National Bank of Texas announced that it will open a South Dallas loan production office (LPO), located at 820 Exposition Ave., this fall. The office will serve as the new home for the bank’s emerging markets team and play a critical role in the bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in South … Read more

The Changing Face of Leadership

By NED PAULEY Simply stated, a leader is someone others follow. Leadership is not a title. It’s not a reward for length of employment. It’s an act of service that inspires people toward a shared vision. If you’ve been in bank leadership for a while, you know the role is changing. Perhaps more accurately, followership … Read more

Comerica Bank’s Shy Appointed to Nonpartisan Conservation Group Texan by Nature

Texan by Nature, a Texan-led conservation nonprofit organization founded by former Texas First Lady Laura Bush, has appointed Jayme Shy, senior vice president and associate general counsel/regulatory affairs at Dallas-based Comerica Bank, to its board of directors. Texan by Nature connects hundreds of conservation partners to catalyze conservation investment and activity across Texas. With a … Read more

Energy Technology Company Baker Hughes Invests $50 Million in Unity Bank

On February 27, Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, announced a $50 million investment to support Houston-based Unity Bank, Texas’ only Black-owned banking institution, citing the move as part of its commitment to supplier diversification and advancement of racial equity. The investment, made through a $50 million deposit in J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s Empower share … Read more

Bankers Helping Bankers Announces Launch of Venture Capital Fund

On July 12, Bankers Helping Bankers (BHB) announced the launch of the Bankers Helping Bankers Fund (BHB Fund), a fintech venture capital fund managed by Latitude38 Venture Partners. The fund will support community bankers’ engagement with emerging technology providers to meet the future needs of customers and navigate the rapidly changing landscape of financial technology. It’s … Read more

Miranda and Rodriguez Promoted at WestStar Bank

El Paso-based WestStar Bank has announced the promotion of Liliana Miranda to executive vice president/chief commercial banking officer. She will be responsible for leading the commercial lending and treasury management groups. She also oversees WestStar Title Co. In addition, Socorro Rodriguez has been promoted to senior vice president/deputy chief financial officer. In this new role, … Read more

Community Bankers Explore the Basics of Cryptocurrencies

In early December, Bankers Helping Bankers hosted its first event for community bankers throughout the country since the platform launched in October. The hour-long educational session featured Ben Soppitt, CEO of Unifimoney, a cryptocurrency trading application, in conversation with Independent Bankers Association of Texas President and CEO Christopher Williston about the basics of cryptocurrencies and … Read more