TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
On January 2, Investar Holding Corp., the holding company of Investar Bank NA, announced the completion of its acquisition of Wichita Falls Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Wichita Falls-based First National Bank. An agreement relating to the acquisition was announced last July. The acquisition became effective as of January 1. As of December 31, … Read more
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
On July 1, Investar Holding Corp., the holding company for Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Investar Bank NA, and Wichita Falls Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Wichita Falls-based First National Bank, jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Investar will acquire Wichita Falls for cash and stock consideration. The merger is … Read more
Wichita Falls-based American National Bank & Trust has hired Marley Elliott as a vice president and trust administrator for the Wichita Falls market. With a background in real estate law and estate planning/administration, she brings valuable expertise and a client-focused approach that make her a strong addition to the bank’s trust and wealth department. “As … 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
Wichita Falls-based American National Bank & Trust has appointed Judy Leveridge chief risk officer. She brings more than 30 years of banking industry experience to her new role, with a diverse background spanning credit, risk management, operations, compliance and regulatory liaison. “Judy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience around the discipline of credit, risk … Read more
Wichita Falls-based American National Bank & Trust announced the appointment of David Layton as senior vice president of branding and marketing. He is a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience in bank retail and marketing, bringing a wealth of expertise in branding, marketing, public relations and communications from the higher education and … Read more
On August 25, Wichita Falls-based American National Bank & Trust held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new location in Dallas at 5310 Forest Lane. The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, local leaders, American National Bank & Trust executives and community members. Bank executives outlined American National Bank & Trust’s vision for the future, its … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2022 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and three other states convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted … Read more
Ken Pilgrim, senior chairman at Pittsburg-based Pilgrim Bank, along with Chairman Lanny Brenner and the Pilgrim Bank board of directors, announced numerous promotions approved by the board at the end of 2021. Charlotte Brewer has been promoted to region president/North Central Texas. She joined the bank in 1993 with previous banking experience. During her career, … Read more