Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

MainStreet gets closer to debuting BaaS product

MainStreet gets closer to debuting BaaS product

MainStreet Bankshares in Fairfax, Va., is in the process of bringing on its first Banking-as-a-Service customer. The $1.8 billion-asset company said in a press release that Avenu, its BaaS division, plans to go live with the initial beta customer in the fourth quarter. “Our focus is to help fintechs manage risk and meet compliance obligations as they accept and facilitate payments, and there is no cutting corners on this important work,”

April 19, 2022
Pinnacle brings equipment lease investment in-house

Pinnacle brings equipment lease investment in-house

Pinnacle Financial Partners in Nashville, Tenn., has fully acquired an commercial equipment leasing company.The $39.4 billion-asset company said in a press release Tuesday that it bought the remaining equity of JB&B Capital in early March. Pinnacle paid an undisclosed cash amount for the 80% stake it did not previously own.Pinnacle bought an initial 20% stake in the Knoxville, Tenn., company in 2017.JB&B contributed 4 cents a share to Pinnacle’s first

April 19, 2022
National Bank in Denver to buy Utah bank

National Bank in Denver to buy Utah bank

National Bank Holdings in Denver has agreed to buy Community Bancorp. in Provo, Utah.The $7.3 billion-asset National Bank said in a press release Monday that it will pay $136 million of cash and stock for the $814 million-asset parent of Rock Canyon Bank. The deal, which is expected to close in the second half of this year, priced Rock Canyon at 180% of its tangible book value. National Bank would have

April 18, 2022
Piermont in NY creates CRE, fintech analyst programs

Piermont in NY creates CRE, fintech analyst programs

Piermont Bank in New York has created a two-year program to train employees to become commercial real estate or fintech lending analysts. The $364 million-asset bank, which opened in 2019, said in its announcement that it will sponsor formal credit training at an accredited institution. The program will include on-the-job training in reviewing and monitoring financial information, along with financial modeling and analysis. Piermont’s chief credit officer will train and mentor program

April 17, 2022
United Cumberland in Ky. selects next CEO

United Cumberland in Ky. selects next CEO

United Cumberland Bank in Whitley City, Ky., has a new CEO.The $379 million-asset bank said that Michael Laxton had also become its president. Laxton, who joined United Cumberland in 2005, has overseen IT projects and managed the bank’s debit card and bookkeeping departments, according to the Commonwealth Journal. Laxton joined the bank’s board in 2020. "It is always a pleasure to identify talented individuals within the bank to fill important positions," David

April 16, 2022
First Republic’s Herbert joins Forge Global board

First Republic’s Herbert joins Forge Global board

Jim Herbert has made his first big decision since announcing plans to retire as CEO of First Republic Bank in San Francisco. Herbert has joined the board of Forge Global Holdings, a San Francisco company that provides trading technology and operating expertise. He also joined the company’s compensation committee. Herbert “is a financial services visionary whose deep commitment to client service has led to extraordinary growth at First Republic … over the

April 16, 2022
First Volunteer in Tenn. rebranding as Builtwell Bank

First Volunteer in Tenn. rebranding as Builtwell Bank

First Volunteer Bank in Chattanooga, Tenn., plans to rebrand as Builtwell Bank. The $1.4 billion-asset unit of First Volunteer Corp. will change its name later this year, according to TheChattanoogan.com. First Volunteer expanding in Georgia with last year's acquisition of FBD Holdings, the parent of First Bank. “With this expansion further into Georgia, we realized the need to develop a new name for the bank that reflects our commitment to the communities we serve

April 16, 2022
Main Street Financial in W.Va. selects next chairman

Main Street Financial in W.Va. selects next chairman

Main Street Financial Services in Wheeling, W.Va., has a new chairman. The $607 million-asset company announced at its annual meeting on Thursday that Nick Sparachane will succeed Bruce Wilson on June 20, according to the Weirton Daily Times. Wilson, who has been chairman for 16 years, will remain on the company’s board.

April 16, 2022