Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

First Interstate in Montana to record larger-than-expected 4Q provision

First Interstate in Montana to record larger-than-expected 4Q provision

First Interstate BancSystem in Billings, Mont., warned it will record a larger-than-expected loan-loss provision in the fourth quarter after recording a $49.3 million charge-off tied to a commercial-and-industrial loan. The company disclosed in a regulatory filing that it already had a $26.5 million specific reserve set up on Sept. 30 tied to the loan. The loan had an aggregate outstanding balance of $62.8 million on Dec. 31, and the bank's

January 10, 2025
Ally Financial announces layoffs, to exit mortgage lending

Ally Financial announces layoffs, to exit mortgage lending

Ally Financial laid off hundreds of employees while also disclosing plans to fully exit mortgage lending. The company told multiple media outlets that the cuts amount to less than 5% of its workforce. Ally aims to shut down its mortgage lending operations during the first quarter. “We remain confident in our long-term strategy and our ability to deliver compelling returns given the strong underlying trends in our core businesses,” spokesman

January 9, 2025
Bank of Idaho to sell trust and wealth management division

Bank of Idaho to sell trust and wealth management division

Bank of Idaho in Idaho Falls has agreed to sell its trust and wealth management division to Idaho Trust Co. in Boise. The $1.3 billion-asset Bank of Idaho said the sale should close in the first quarter; the price wasn't disclosed. The bank said the sale allows it to focus on its core business of commercial and personal banking. “Our priority has always been to provide our customers with the

January 9, 2025
Central Bancshares in Iowa promotes insider as new CEO

Central Bancshares in Iowa promotes insider as new CEO

Central Bancshares in Muscatine, Iowa, has a new leader. The parent of the $1.6 billion-asset CBI Bank & Trust said in a press release that Dwayne Sieck had become its president and CEO. Sieck, who was president of CBI Bank, also joined the company's board. Sieck succeeded Gregory Kistler, who retired. “Dwayne’s strategic vision, passion for innovation, and deep understanding of the financial industry make him the ideal leader to

January 9, 2025
Next-gen leaders announced at investment bank Stephens

Next-gen leaders announced at investment bank Stephens

Stephens in Little Rock, Ark., is opting for two leaders as part of its succession plan. The family-owned investment bank said in a press release that brothers Miles Stephens and John Stephens have been named co-CEOs, succeeding their father, Warren Stephens. Their sister, Laura Brookshire, will chair the executive committee. Warren Stephens, who ran the company for 39 years, will remain chairman. Miles Stephens has been president and CEO of

January 8, 2025
First Keystone in Pa. snags banking vet as next CEO

First Keystone in Pa. snags banking vet as next CEO

First Keystone in Berwick, Pa., has hired a veteran banker as its next CEO. The company disclosed in a regulatory filing that Jack Jones had become its chief operating officer. He will become president and CEO on Jan. 31 when Elaine Woodland retires. Jones was chief banking officer and a regional president at Penns Woods Bancorp.

January 7, 2025
Community Bank Holdings in Texas to buy CapTex Bancshares

Community Bank Holdings in Texas to buy CapTex Bancshares

Community Bank Holdings of Texas in Corsicana has agreed to buy CapTex Bancshares in Fort Worth, Texas. Community Bank Holdings, the parent of the $1.3 billion-asset Community National Bank & Trust of Texas, expects to complete its purchase of the holding company for the $344.5 million-asset CapTex Bank in the second quarter. The price wasn't disclosed. Performance Trust Capital Partners advised CapTex.

January 7, 2025
Anchor State in Illinois promotes insider to become CEO

Anchor State in Illinois promotes insider to become CEO

Anchor State Bank in Anchor, Ill., has a new CEO. The $56.4 million-asset bank announced on LinkedIn that its board had named Chris Crider to succeed Jim Eckert. Crider has been the bank's president since January 2024. Eckert, who had been CEO since 1979, will serve as a part-time executive vice president until his retirement. He will remain on the bank's board.

January 7, 2025