TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tupelo, Mississippi-based Cadence Bank has promoted Michelle N. Hodge to deputy regional president and she joins the bank’s Texas region leadership team led by Lester Lucy, regional president. Hodge was most recently in a leadership role with Industry Bancshares and joined Cadence Bank following its July acquisition. Hodge has been in the banking sector for … Read more
Community bankers from across the state will gather in Fort Worth later this month for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 51st Annual Convention, a perfect opportunity for education, networking and inspiration for those shaping the future of Texas community banking. Set for September 20–23 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, the convention will feature … Read more
On July 21, Houston-based Gulf Capital Bank announced that Bob S. Smith has been appointed an advisory director on its board of directors. He retired recently from the Texas Department of Banking for which he served as a review examiner. He has more than 12 years of experience with the Texas Department of Banking and … Read more
On August 15, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced the appointment of two deputy commissioners, Jared A. Whitson and Jesus “Jesse” Saucillo, to the Texas Department of Banking. These structural changes also include the elevation of Deputy Commissioner Wendy Rodriguez to executive deputy commissioner. Whitson has served the department for more than 21 years, … Read more