Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

Battle Financial received Fed BCH approval

Battle Financial received Fed BCH approval

The organizers of the proposed Battle Financial in Edwards, Colo., have received approval from the Federal Reserve to become a bank holding company. The approval allows the group to complete its pending purchase of Stearns Bank Upsala in Upsala, Minn. Stearns Financial first disclosed plans to sell the $65 million-asset bank in March. The price wasn't disclosed. Stearns would be rebranded as Battle Bank. “It’s been a long road of

August 27, 2025
Commercial Bancgroup in Tennessee plans initial public offering

Commercial Bancgroup in Tennessee plans initial public offering

Commercial Bancgroup in Harrogate, Tenn., is planning an initial public offering. The $2.3 billion-asset company plans to raise $173 million, according to published reports. Net proceeds would be largely used to repay debt tied to the Community Trust Loan Agreement and to redeem outstanding subordinated debentures and trust preferred securities. Hovde Group is the sole bookrunner on the deal.

August 27, 2025
American Bancorp in Ga. to buy New Republic Bank in North Carolina

American Bancorp in Ga. to buy New Republic Bank in North Carolina

American Bancorp in Macon, Ga., has applied to buy New Republic Partners in Charlotte, N.C. The application said that the parent of the $491 million-asset American Pride Bank would indirectly acquire the $196.7 million-asset New Republic Bank. American did not disclose how much it will pay for New Republic.

August 26, 2025
Organizers planning Seattle-area de novo bank

Organizers planning Seattle-area de novo bank

A group has applied to open a bank in Bellevue, Wash. Organizers of the proposed United Development Bank submitted an application to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Aug. 21. The application wasn't immediately available. A public notice tied to the application listed 25 organizers, including Charlie Guildner, a former president and CEO of North Cascades Bank, and Jesse Tam, a former chairman, president and CEO of Regal Financial Bancorp.

August 26, 2025
OCC lifts AML-related consent order against Anchorage Digital Bank

OCC lifts AML-related consent order against Anchorage Digital Bank

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has terminated a 2022 consent order against cryptocurrency custody bank Anchorage Digital Bank. The order was tied to Anchorage's "failure to adopt and implement a compliance program” in accordance with anti-money laundering standards. The OCC said it lifted the order after determining that the bank's “compliance with laws and regulations does not require the continued existence of the order.” “With our consent

August 22, 2025
First Exchange in W.Va. promoting lending chief to become CEO

First Exchange in W.Va. promoting lending chief to become CEO

First Exchange Bank in White Hall, W.Va., has finalized its CEO succession plan. The $383.5 million-asset bank announced in a press release that Clayton Rice will assume leadership on Nov. 1. Rice, the bank's chief lending officer, will succeed Bill Goettel, who is retiring. The board " is deeply grateful for the leadership and vision that Bill Goettel has provided during his tenure," James Boyers, First Exchange's chairman, said in

August 22, 2025
CFPB reopens debate over controversial open banking rule

CFPB reopens debate over controversial open banking rule

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reopened debate over open banking, issuing a new advance notice of proposed rulemaking The notice, which kicks off a rewrite of the CFPB's Section 1033 data-access rule, is scheduled to appear in the Federal Register on Aug. 22, with public comments due 60 days later, around Oct. 21, 2025. With this step, the bureau is formally moving away from the Biden-era framework it finalized last

August 21, 2025
California Credit Union League unveils new brand

California Credit Union League unveils new brand

The California Credit Union League has rebranded. The association said in a press release that it changed its name to California’s Credit Unions to better reflect its mission and the 245 members it represents. “Our new name, California’s Credit Unions, is the fullest expression of who we are and the role we hold in the lives of Californians,” Scott Simpson, the association's president and CEO, said in the release. “It

August 21, 2025