Louisiana’s First Guaranty Bank to Exit Texas, Sell Five Branches to Oklahoma-based Armstrong Bank

First Guaranty Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Hammond, Louisiana-based First Guaranty Bank, has entered into a purchase and assumption agreement for the sale of its Texas operations to Muskogee, Oklahoma-based Armstrong Bank, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. The transaction, already approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in the … Read more

Community Bankers Urged to Develop Leadership Skills at 2026 IBAT EDGE Conference

The Education Foundation of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) is gearing up for the fourth-annual IBAT EDGE, a program that offers two days of education, renowned industry keynote speakers and leadership development training focused on community banks in Texas. The goal is to Educate, Develop, Guide and Empower (EDGE) community bank employees. This … Read more

The First National Bank of Central Texas Celebrates Opening of College Station Branch

Waco-based The First National Bank of Central Texas (FNBCT) has opened its newest banking center in College Station. The brand-new 21,000-square-foot facility is located at 4270 State Hwy. 6 S. To celebrate the opening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was recently held at the new location. As part of the celebration, the bank made $5,000 donations to … Read more

Newsweek’s ‘America’s Best Regional Banks 2026’ List Includes 48 Texas-based Institutions

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

Lone Star National Bank Named 2025 Best of Show in Best of Community Banking Awards

In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2025 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. McAllen-based Lone Star National Bank won Best of Show for its community service entry “Starr County Volunteerism.” The 2025 BOCB Best of Show, Community Spirit and Gold Eagle Award recipients were recognized at … Read more

Texas Bankers Association Announces 2025–26 Officers and Board of Directors

The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) recently announced the elected board of directors for its 2025–26 fiscal year. The officers’ terms run from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026. Ron Butler, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA, has been named TBA chairman. The new vice chair is William … Read more

Simons Joins Fidelity Bank of Texas as Chief Financial Officer

Waco-based Fidelity Bank of Texas has appointed Preston Simons as chief financial officer, effective immediately. With more than 15 years of experience in investment banking and financial strategy, he brings a wealth of expertise to his new post. Prior to joining Fidelity Bank of Texas, Simons served as managing director and head of the Dallas … Read more

Mississippi-based Cadence Bank Promotes Parkman to Division President in Texas


Tupelo, Mississippi-based Cadence Bank has promoted Wayne Parkman to North Central Plains division president, overseeing six Cadence Bank branches covering Fort Worth and the greater Waco region. Parkman has been with Cadence Bank for nearly four years and in banking for 39 years. “Wayne is a proven leader both within Cadence as well as with … Read more

Extraco Banks Promotes Green to Chief Strategic Integration Officer

Lindsay Green has been promoted to chief strategic integration officer at Temple-based Extraco Banks. With more than 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, she brings a wealth of expertise in innovation, project management, marketing, IT and retail banking to her new position. In addition to her new role, she will also continue … Read more

Newsweek’s List of ‘America’s Best Regional Banks’ Includes 46 Banks in Texas

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