Coastal Financial in Everett, Wash., has created a virtual world to promote its Banking-as-a-Service fintech partners. The $3.5 billion-asset company launched Coastal World, an immersive 3D web platform that “promotes, educates, and informs visitors about digital banking solutions that best fit their lifestyle, values, or specific financial situations through a fun and engaging online experience.” The company is considering a number of features in the future, including banking tools, gamified

What once was old is new again. TIAA Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., will revert back to EverBank after a group of investors buys the $38.6 billion-asset bank from TIAA. TIAA Bank Field, where the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars play, will rebrand as EverBank Stadium for next season. “The EverBank brand has always represented forward-looking optimism, confidence and trust,” TIAA Bank President and CEO Steve Fischer said in a press release. “Our

Piedmont Financial Holding in Winston-Salem, N.C., has agreed to buy Wake Forest Bancshares in Wake Forest, N.C. The parent of the $1.2 billion-asset Piedmont Federal Savings Bank said in a press release that it will pay $36.8 million for the parent of the $118 million-asset Wake Forest Federal Savings and Loan Association. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter. Piedmont will cash out Wake Forest Federal’s minority

Cullen/Frost Bankers in San Antonio plans to double its branches in Austin, Texas, by 2026. The $51.2 billion-asset company said in a press release that it expects to hire 170 people as part of the expansion. The bank already has 17 branches in Austin. Frost Bank has already expanded in Houston and Dallas, where year-to-date customer growth is 25% higher than a year earlier. “We have been looking forward to

First Foundation in Dallas prevailed in a proxy battle with an activist investor.   The $13.6 billion-asset company said in a press release that shareholders elected its 10 candidates during this year’s annual meeting. The release did not break down vote totals.   Driver Capital Management had nominated Allison Ball, a partner at Hanover Technology Investment Management, to vie for a board seat.   “We would like to thank all

Bank of America in Charlotte, N.C., plans to enter four new states by opening branches across nine markets over the next four years. The $3.1 trillion-asset company said in a press release that it will open locations in Nebraska, Kentucky, Alabama and Louisiana. Branches are planned in cities such as New Orleans; Birmingham, Ala.; Milwaukee; and Omaha, Neb. At least 30 branches are planned. “As part of our high-tech and

The Credit Union Executives Society has a new CEO. The association said in a press release that Heather McKissick, former executive vice president of community impact, marketing and communication at the $4.6 billion-asset University Federal Credit Union in Austin, Texas, had taken on the role She succeeded John Pembroke, who died in November. “Throughout my career I have witnessed the transformative power of leadership development," McKissick said in the release.

PacWest Bancorp in Los Angeles continues to shed assets.   The $44.3 billion-asset company disclosed in a regulatory filing that it agreed to sell a portfolio of lender finance loans with a total commitment amount of roughly $3.5 billion to alternative credit strategy funds managed by Ares Management.   The portfolio includes an aggregate outstanding principal balance of about $2.2 billion.   PacWest said the first tranche closed on June 22,