TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
To recognize banks (and credit unions) making a meaningful difference, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group have published “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2026.” The methodology utilized the Texas Ratio (a measure of a bank’s credit quality), as well as reviewed profitability and net loans and leases, press coverage over the past two years, … Read more
Tyler-based Southside Bank has appointed Justin Holt as Fort Worth market president, effective immediately. Bringing more than a decade of experience in banking leadership and commercial lending, he joined the Southside Bank team in 2023 as senior vice president/ commercial relationship manager. Before joining Southside Bank, Holt served in various senior leadership positions at North … Read more
American Banker has released its 2025 list of the “Best Banks to Work For,” which includes 13 banks based in Texas and banks that do significant business in the Lone Star State. The 2025 list of the 90 best banks has a few newcomers, including the one that nabbed the No. 1 spot—Wood & Huston … Read more
On October 16, the board of directors of Southside Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, Tyler-based Southside Bank, announced the appointment of Mitchell Craddock to chief operating officer of the company and bank, effective immediately following the retirement of Brian K. McCabe, current COO, on November 14. In addition, the company announced the appointments of Keith … Read more
Southside Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, Tyler-based Southside Bank, have announced the upcoming retirement of Lee Gibson as chief executive officer, effective December 31, 2025. He will continue to serve as a director of the company and bank. Succeeding him as CEO is Keith Donahoe, current president of the company and bank, who has more … Read more
On April 2, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 19 recipients of its 2025 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
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
Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Sunflower Bank, based in Dallas, has withdrawn its application to merge with HomeStreet Bank NA, based in Seattle, Washington, and has also withdrawn its application to convert to a national association. Branches The OCC reports that VeraBank NA, based in Henderson, has applied to establish a branch at … Read more
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