Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

Groups seek bank charters in Florida, Puerto Rico

Groups seek bank charters in Florida, Puerto Rico

Organizing groups are pursuing bank charters in Florida and Puerto Rico. A group applied to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on May 27 to form Dorado Bank in San Juan, P.R. A separate group submitted an application to the FDIC on June 2 to open Glades Bank and Trust in Plantation, Fla. The applications were not immediately available.

June 4, 2026
First National of Nebraska to buy Blue Ridge Bancshares in Missouri

First National of Nebraska to buy Blue Ridge Bancshares in Missouri

First National of Nebraska in Omaha has agreed to buy Blue Ridge Bancshares in Independence, Mo. The $35 billion-asset parent of FNBO said in a press release that it expects to buy the holding company for the $850 million-asset Blue Ridge Bank and Trust by the end of this year. The price wasn't disclosed. “FNBO has been intentional about our growth in this region, and Blue Ridge Bank fits that

June 2, 2026
FD Bancorp in Washington completes last phase of CEO succession

FD Bancorp in Washington completes last phase of CEO succession

FS Bancorp in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., has a new CEO. The company said in a press release that Matthew Mullet had succeeded Joe Adams, who retired. Mullet will remain the company's president, as well as president and CEO of the bank. Adams will remain on the board.

June 2, 2026
Orrstown Financial in Pennsylvania promotes COO as its new leader

Orrstown Financial in Pennsylvania promotes COO as its new leader

Orrstown Financial in Harrisburg, Pa., has a new leader. The $5.6 billion-asset company said in a press release that Adam Metz had become its president and CEO. Metz, who was chief operating officer, succeeded Thomas Quinn Jr., who retired. Metz also joined the board. “Adam is a proven and respected leader who understands our markets, our clients, and the importance our commitment to community banking,” Joel Zullinger, Orrstown's chairman, said

June 2, 2026
Bogota in New Jersey to absorb GSL Savings Bank

Bogota in New Jersey to absorb GSL Savings Bank

Bogota Financial in Teaneck, N.J., has agreed to buy GSL Savings Bank in Guttenberg, N.J. Bogota said in a press release that it will issue shares to GSL's mutual holding company as part of the deal, which is expected to close in the second half of 2026. The terms were not disclosed. The deal "allows us to expand our ability to deliver personalized service and enhanced financial solutions while preserving

June 1, 2026
BCB Bancorp in N.J. hires veteran turnaround expert as new CEO

BCB Bancorp in N.J. hires veteran turnaround expert as new CEO

Tom O'Brien can't quit banking. The veteran turnaround artist has agreed to become the president and CEO of BCB Bancorp in Bayonne, N.J. The company said in a press release that O'Brien, 75, will also join its board. O’Brien was chairman, president and CEO of Sterling Bancorp, orchestrating the sale of most of its banking operations. He also turned about and sold Sun Bancorp in New Jersey and was CEO

June 1, 2026
Coastal Carolina to buy Beacon Holding in S.C. bank merger

Coastal Carolina to buy Beacon Holding in S.C. bank merger

Coastal Carolina Bancshares in Myrtle Beach, S.C., has agreed to buy Beacon Holding Co. in Charleston, S.C. Coastal Carolina said in a press release that it will exchange stock for the parent of Beacon Community Bank. The deal is expected to close in the third or fourth quarter. The combined bank will be rebranded as Beacon Bank. Coastal will have eight of the board's 15 seats. Laurence Bolchoz will remain

May 29, 2026
Former SRM execs leading new vendor management firm for credit unions

Former SRM execs leading new vendor management firm for credit unions

Orion Financial in Memphis, Tenn., is looking to disrupt the status quo among vendor management consultants with an effort led by former executives from an established firm. Mark Mrva, who recently joined Orion from Strategic Resource Management, wrote on LinkedIn that the credit union had formed WonderLab Advisors, a new firm designed to help credit unions assess vendor programs, improve third-party spend, strengthen procurement governance, and build scalable sourcing processes. Ben

May 29, 2026