Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

Bank Midwest in Iowa reportedly closing its digital OnePlace Bank

Bank Midwest in Iowa reportedly closing its digital OnePlace Bank

Bank Midwest in Spirit Lake, Iowa, has decided to shut down its digital bank division. Keith Sexe, who was vice president of OnePlace Bank, disclosed the $1.3 billion-asset bank's decision in a LinkedIn post. "While it wasn’t the outcome I expected, I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished, and deeply grateful to Bank Midwest for the opportunity," he wrote in the post. "Together, we launched innovative commercial products, built a

July 31, 2025
Peoples Savings applies to buy farmbank in Missouri

Peoples Savings applies to buy farmbank in Missouri

Peoples Savings Bank in Rhineland, Mo., has applied to buy farmbank in Green City, Mo. The $678.8 million-asset Peoples has submitted its application with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to acquire the $78.1 million-asset farmbank. A June press release announcing the deal did not disclose the price Peoples will pay. The transaction is expected to close in December. “Farmbank has a strong reputation and loyal customer base," Mark Laune, Peoples'

July 31, 2025
First Missouri buys Clay County Savings Bank

First Missouri buys Clay County Savings Bank

First Missouri Bancshares in Brookfield bought Clay County Savings Bank in Liberty, Mo. First Missouri, the parent of the $471.3 million-asset Verimore Bank, did not disclose how much it paid for the $137.3 million-asset Clay County Savings. “This merger represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy,” Kristie Stuewe, Verimore's president and CEO, said in a press release. “It allows us to expand our reach ... while continuing to deliver

July 31, 2025
First Foundation posts 2Q loss after selling CRE loans

First Foundation posts 2Q loss after selling CRE loans

First Foundation in Dallas posted a quarterly loss as new management attempts a turnaround. The $11.6 billion-asset company lost $7.7 million in the second quarter after selling about $858 million of commercial real estate loans held for sale in two transactions at a 6% discount. The move reduced the company's CRE concentration to roughly 365% of regulatory capital. Proceeds from the loan sales were used to reduce about $865 million

July 31, 2025
1st Source in Ind. sets stage for CEO succession this fall

1st Source in Ind. sets stage for CEO succession this fall

Leadership is shuffling at 1st Source in South Bend, Ind. The $9.1 billion-asset company said in a press release that Andrea Short will become president and CEO on Oct. 1. Short, who will remain CEO of 1st Source Bank, will succeed Christopher Murphy III, who is retiring. Murphy will become executive chairman. Kevin Murphy, the company's chief digital officer, will become the bank's president. “I could not be more pleased

July 29, 2025
CFPB seeks stay in data rule lawsuit as it plans new rulemaking

CFPB seeks stay in data rule lawsuit as it plans new rulemaking

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has filed a motion to stay proceedings in a lawsuit brought by Forcht Bank, the Kentucky Bankers Association, and the Bank Policy Institute over last year's rule on personal financial data rights. The plaintiffs, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, are challenging the rule on administrative grounds, alleging that it violated procedural requirements and should be vacated. In its motion, the

July 29, 2025
PeoplesBancorp to absorb Athol Savings Bank in Massachusetts

PeoplesBancorp to absorb Athol Savings Bank in Massachusetts

PeoplesBancorp in Worcester, Mass., has agreed to buy Athol Savings Bank in Athol, Mass. PeoplesBancorp, through its $1.7 billion-asset Cornerstone Bank, expects to buy the $650 million Athol Savings in the first quarter. The financial details were not disclosed. Athol Savings will operate as a division of Cornerstone Bank. “This is an incredibly exciting time for us,” Todd Tallman, Cornerstone's CEO, said in a press release. “This move will strengthen

July 29, 2025
Campbell County Bank to buy Farmers State Bank in South Dakota

Campbell County Bank to buy Farmers State Bank in South Dakota

Campbell County Bank in Herreid, S.D., has applied to buy Farmers State Bank in Hosmer, S.D. The $215.3 million-asset Campbell County applied with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on July 23 to buy the $21.7 million Farmers State Bank. The price wasn't disclosed.

July 29, 2025