TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS



Texas Regional Bank Launches TRB Financial to Address Banking and Credit Access Gaps

Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank has announced the launch of TRB Financial, a new core banking division that expands access to relationship banking through differentiated credit strategies, ongoing financial education and integrated community partnerships. TRB Financial’s first dedicated banking center, located at 332 Jefferson Blvd. in Oak Cliff, began serving customers on August 26. Citing an … Read more

Community Bankers’ 52nd Annual Convention in San Antonio Will be an Event to Remember

Community bankers from across the state will gather in San Antonio later this month for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 52nd Annual Convention, a perfect opportunity for education, networking and inspiration for those shaping the future of Texas community banking. Set for September 19–22 at the Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, … Read more

San Antonio Regional Director Kuntschik to Retire from Texas Department of Banking

Kenneth Kuntschik, regional director of the San Antonio office for the Texas Department of Banking, is retiring with more than 22 years of service with the agency. His retirement will be effective August 31. “Kenneth has served for almost 37 years as a banking regulator,” notes Charles G. Cooper, commissioner. “He has been a valuable … Read more

Texas Banking Commissioner Approves Houston Bank & Trust De Novo Charter

On May 22, Charles G. Cooper, commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking, announced the opening of Houston-based Houston Bank & Trust, the first de novo state bank charter approved since April 2022. The bank is anticipated to serve customers primarily in the Houston MSA, with a focus on Harris and Montgomery counties. Houston Bank … Read more

Texas Banking Commissioner Cooper Re-elected Chair of the FFIEC State Liaison Committee  

On May 1, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) announced the re-election of Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper as chair of the FFIEC’s State Liaison Committee (SLC) for a one-year term that runs until April 30, 2027. Cooper has been a member of the SLC and served as its chair since 2023. Cooper … Read more

Texas Department of Banking Names Loyola Director of Administrative Services

The Texas Department of Banking announced the appointment of LeAnn Loyola to serve as director of administrative services. She will oversee all financial, procurement and risk management areas of the administrative services division. The division is responsible for the agency’s financial, purchasing, procurement, building management, risk management and business continuity functions. Loyola joined the Texas … Read more

Frasier, Texas Department of Banking’s Director of Corporate Activities and Financial Innovation, to Retire

Daniel Frasier, director of the Texas Department of Banking’s corporate activities and financial innovation, is retiring after 18 years of state service. His retirement is effective June 30, 2026. “We congratulate Dan on this career milestone and wish him a happy retirement,” says Charles G. Cooper, commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking. “We appreciate … Read more

Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

In early January, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees: Mark K. Johnson, Michael G. O’Rourke, Rogers Pope Jr., A. Ford Sasser III and Marelyn B. Shedd. These five iconic bankers will be recognized for their achievements and many contributions to their communities and the banking industry at the 13th Annual Texas … Read more

Community Bankers’ 25th Annual Winter Summit Set for Colorado in January

Members of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) will return to Colorado for the 25th Annual Winter Summit, January 25–27 at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain. The meeting provides a memorable opportunity for bankers to have face-to-face interactions and invaluable conversations with senior regulators … Read more