Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

Stablecoin fintech Payoneer applies for national trust bank charter

Stablecoin fintech Payoneer applies for national trust bank charter

Payoneer has applied with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national trust bank charter. The fintech said in a press release that the proposed PAYO Digital Bank would support stablecoin-enabled infrastructure for global businesses. “Payoneer is at the forefront of cross-border payments, and we believe stablecoins will play a meaningful role in the future of global trade,” John Caplan, the fintech's CEO, said in the release.

February 24, 2026
First Federal Bank of Wisconsin looks inward for new CEO

First Federal Bank of Wisconsin looks inward for new CEO

First Federal Bank of Wisconsin in Waukesha has a new CEO. The bank said in a press release that Steve Wierschem had succeeded Edward Schaefer, who remains chairman. Schaefer also remains president and CEO of the holding company, FFBW Inc. Wierschem, who was chief financial officer, will remain president. “Steve continues to perform at a very high level, and his promotion … is a natural next step,” Schaefer said in

February 23, 2026
1st Source chairman discloses cancer battle

1st Source chairman discloses cancer battle

The recently retired CEO of 1st Source in South Bend, Ind., disclosed his battle with bladder cancer. Chris Murphy, who also stepped down as president in October, wrote in a letter to shareholders that he was first diagnosed two years ago. While the cancer had been in remission, he wrote that it had returned and he will start a new chemo protocol that will force him to work remotely and

February 23, 2026
Crypto.com gains conditional OCC approval for national trust bank

Crypto.com gains conditional OCC approval for national trust bank

Crypto.com has received conditional approval for a national trust bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The crypto exchange, which applied in October, said in a press release that its planned bank would operate as a custodian for digital asset treasuries and exchange-traded funds, among other things. “This conditional approval is the latest testament to both our commitment to compliance and to providing customers trusted

February 23, 2026
Texas Gulf Bancshires hires Prosperity exec as new bank CEO

Texas Gulf Bancshires hires Prosperity exec as new bank CEO

Texas Gulf Bancshares in Houston has a new bank CEO. The $695 million-asset company said in a press release that Steve Thompson has also become president of Texas Gulf Bank. Thompson, who was Houston area president at Prosperity Bank, also joined the boards of the company and the bank. “Following a thorough and deliberate search process, the board unanimously concluded that Steve is the right leader to guide the bank

February 23, 2026
OptimumBank in Fla. forms unit to focus on HUD, FHA lending

OptimumBank in Fla. forms unit to focus on HUD, FHA lending

OptimumBank Holdings in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., formed a new unit to support new HUD and FHA lending initiatives. OptimumFunding is expected to expand the company’s commercial real estate lending capabilities by offering bridge-to-HUD financing, FHA- and HUD-insured loan origination, and servicing and relationship management. In connection with the effort, OptimumBank will upstream a dividend to OptimumBank Holdings to facilitate a capital investment into the new unit. The amount wasn't disclosed.

February 23, 2026
M&T Bank in N.Y. faces exposure to Tricolor Holdings issues

M&T Bank in N.Y. faces exposure to Tricolor Holdings issues

M&T Bank in Buffalo, N.Y., warned that it could have some losses tied to the bankruptcy of Tricolor Holdings. The company disclosed in a regulatory filing that unit Wilmington Trust could take a hit tied to litigation stemming from the bankruptcy and alleged fraud at Tricolor. M&T said it is unable to estimate its financial exposure, though it said the losses should be immaterial. Tricolor, a subprime auto lender that

February 20, 2026
Stilwell Group begins proxy battle with Lake Shore Bancorp in N.Y.

Stilwell Group begins proxy battle with Lake Shore Bancorp in N.Y.

Activist investor Stilwell Group has escalated its involvement at Lake Shore Bancorp, disclosing plans to nominate an individual to challenge for a board seat at the Dunkirk, N.Y., company. The investor, who owns about 9.9% of Lake Shore’s outstanding shares, said in a regulatory filing that it plans to nominate Timothy Andruschat to join the board at the 2026 annual meeting. Stilwell also submitted a shareholder proposal calling for Lake

February 20, 2026