Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

Century in N.M. replaces CEO as it deals with unsolicited takeover attempt

Century in N.M. replaces CEO as it deals with unsolicited takeover attempt

Century Bank in Santa Fe, N.M., which is facing a hostile takeover, has replaced its CEO. The $1.4 billion-asset bank confirmed that Max Myers, its vice chairman, became interim president and CEO on July 24. He replaced John Brichetto. Bank7 in Oklahoma City said in early July that it had agreed to buy a 71% stake in Century for $68 million in cash. The shares are being sold by a court-appointed

July 30, 2026
Alma Bank to buy American Community Bank in N.Y. bank merger

Alma Bank to buy American Community Bank in N.Y. bank merger

Alma Bank in Long Island City, N.Y., has agreed to buy American Community Bancorp in Glen Cove, N.Y. The $1.6 billion-asset Alma said in a press release that it plans to purchase the parent of the $300 million-asset American Community Bank in the first quarter. The price wasn't disclosed. "This partnership is grounded in a shared belief that banking is, first and foremost, about people," Michael Psyllos, Alma's president and

July 30, 2026
B2 Bank moves headquarters from Minnesota to Utah

B2 Bank moves headquarters from Minnesota to Utah

B2 Bank has moved its headquarters to Utah. The bank said in a press release that it relocated from Mountain Iron, Minn., to Holladay, Utah. The move positions B2 Bank in a fast-growing fintech corridor, expanding access to talent and supporting its long-term strategic goals. “Relocating our headquarters to Holladay is a defining step in B2 Bank’s growth into a truly national bank,” Ryan Jaskiewicz, the bank's CEO, said in

July 30, 2026
Community State Bank in Pa. tabs insider as next CEO

Community State Bank in Pa. tabs insider as next CEO

Community State Bank in Orbisonia, Pa., has a new leader. The $400 million-asset bank said in a press release that Nicole Wilson had become its CEO. Wilson, who remains president, succeeded Michael Bibak, who retired. “From the outset, the timing of Mike’s departure was intentionally flexible, allowing it to be guided by the progress of the transition to Nicole Wilson and her leadership team," Jessica Tice, the bank's chairman, said

July 30, 2026
Pioneer in New York launches college advising division after acquisition

Pioneer in New York launches college advising division after acquisition

Pioneer Bancorp in Albany, N.Y., has acquired The College Advisor of New York, a firm that helps families navigate the college search and admissions process. The College Advisor of New York provides personalized guidance, hands‑on support, and assistance identifying colleges that are the right academic, personal, and financial fit. The price wasn't disclosed. Dean Skarlis, founder and president of The College Advisor of New York, will lead the $2 billion-asset

July 29, 2026
Banc of California posts big loss following balance sheet moves

Banc of California posts big loss following balance sheet moves

Banc of California in Los Angeles reported a staggering $251.3 million loss after repositioning its balance sheet. The $34.3 billion-asset company said in a press release that it sold $2.3 billion of lower-yielding securities and began the process of selling $827 million of commercial real estate and multifamily construction loans. The company also retired $385 million of subordinated debt ahead of "a significantly higher interest rate reset.” “We made a

July 29, 2026
National Bank of Indianapolis sets calendar for CEO succession

National Bank of Indianapolis sets calendar for CEO succession

National Bank of Indianapolis is priming CEO succession. The $3.1 billion-asset bank said that Doug Talley will become its president on Aug. 3. Talley, who succeeded Mark Bruin, is also expected to become CEO when Bruin retires early next year. Talley is chief banking officer and chief lending officer.

July 29, 2026
Increase Bank launches after Darragh Buckley buys small bank

Increase Bank launches after Darragh Buckley buys small bank

Fintech founder Darragh Buckley has officially taken over a bank. Buckley, who created Increase, a customer-facing API company, announced the creation of Increase Bank after buying Twin City Bancorp in Longview, Wash. "This is the bank for ambitious technology companies," Buckley said in a LinkedIn post. "You’re obsessed with building the best possible product for your customers; we’re just as obsessed with building for you." Increase built its own API-first core technology.

July 29, 2026