TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Laredo-based IBC Bank has promoted Juan A. “John” Villarreal to executive vice president of IBC Bank–Laredo, recognizing his nearly four decades of service, banking expertise and commitment to the Laredo community. Villarreal began his career with IBC Bank in 1988 as a credit analyst. He was promoted to commercial lender in 1992 and has since … Read more
On August 6, Laredo-based IBC Bank announced the promotion of Gerald Schwebel to enterprise-wide president of international banking, recognizing his decades of service, leadership and contributions to the bank’s international operations. A respected authority on international trade, finance, transportation and U.S.-Mexico relations, Schwebel has headed IBC Bank’s corporate international division since 1996, overseeing its international banking … Read more
In August, Laredo-based IBC Bank announced the promotion of two longtime employees to market president positions in Laredo and San Antonio. Nativido “Nati” Lozano has been promoted to market president of IBC Bank–Laredo. Prior to his promotion, Lozano, who has more than 25 years of banking experience, oversaw the commercial lending division for the Laredo … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University 2026 summer session wrapped up June 5 with a commencement ceremony for SWGSB Class LXVII at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB, delivered the commencement address to more than 350 guests celebrating 82 graduates from … Read more
On May 5, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 15 recipients of its 2026 Cornerstone and Leader in Financial Education (LiFE) Awards. These honors recognize work that goes above and beyond in its commitment to community engagement and financial education across Texas. “These awards celebrate the banks … Read more
This summer, Dennis E. Nixon, president and CEO of Laredo-based International Bank of Commerce and chairman of International Bancshares Corp., was recognized in the Texas Senate for his remarkable 50 years of service by Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, who currently is dean of the Texas Senate. This acknowledgement highlights Nixon’s dedication and leadership, which have significantly … Read more
Jeff Samples, president of Laredo-based IBC Bank Houston, has been promoted to chairman and CEO in Houston. With more than 40 years of banking experience, he currently oversees the commercial banking department, which has more than $1.5 billion in funded loans, and is personally responsible for a loan portfolio of over $1 billion in loan … Read more
Forbes has released its 16th annual list of “America’s Best Banks,” with numerous companies headquartered in Texas making the cut. Of the 100 banks on the list, seven are based in the Lone Star State. Here are the Texas-based 2025 “America’s Best Banks” (the numbers indicate the bank’s ranking on Forbes’ list of U.S. banks): … Read more
Loan Production Offices The OCC reports that it has approved an application by First National Bank Texas, based in Killeen, to establish a loan production office at 641 N. Stanton Dr. in El Paso. Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by Woodforest National Bank, based in The Woodlands, to establish a … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Independent Bank, based in McKinney, has applied to merge into SouthState Bank NA, based in Winter Haven, Florida. Main Offices The OCC reports that it has approved an application by The First National Bank of Eagle Lake, based in Eagle Lake, to relocate its home office from 100 … Read more