Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

Texas Partners division names new president

Texas Partners division names new president

Bank of San Antonio in Texas has a new president. The bank, which is part of the $2.1 billion-asset Texas Partners Bank, said in a press release that Brandi Vitier had taken on the role. She previously served as an executive vice president and market executive.Vitier, with two colleagues, recently launched Stride, a free entrepreneurial education program for San Antonio business owners offered through a partnership with Texas A&M University-San Antonio.“The

August 28, 2022
Former insurance exec becomes MVB’s chairman

Former insurance exec becomes MVB’s chairman

MVB Financial in Fairmont, W.Va., has a new chairman. The $3 billion-asset company said in a press release Thursday that W. Marston Becker had taken on the role. Marston, who joined the board in November 2020, succeeded David Alvarez, who retired. "Marty’s leadership and experience have proven to be a great asset to the MVB board … as MVB continues to scale and execute our MVB-F1: Success Loves Speed Strategic Plan,” Larry

August 26, 2022
Raj Date joins board of Customers Bancorp in Pa.

Raj Date joins board of Customers Bancorp in Pa.

Raj Date, the former deputy director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has joined the board of Customers Bancorp in West Reading, Pa. The $20.3 billion-asset company said in a press release that Date, a managing partner of investment and advisory firm Fenway Summer, will serve on its board compliance and risk committees. Date is also the co-founder of FS Vector, an advisory firm that counsels fintechs on regulatory strategy, compliance and

August 25, 2022
The Bancorp to pay $1.75M to settle CMBS-related issue

The Bancorp to pay $1.75M to settle CMBS-related issue

The Bancorp in Wilmington, Del., agreed to pay a nearly $1.8 million penalty to resolve alleged violations tied to commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).The $7.1 billion-asset company said the settlement was tied to an Aug. 24 order by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company did not admit or deny wrongdoing.The SEC, in a July 6 Wells Notice, had alleged that the company had committed violations the Securities Exchange Act, in

August 25, 2022
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group plans U.S. digital bank

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group plans U.S. digital bank

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group in Tokyo plans to introduce a digital bank through its U.S. subsidiary.SMFG said in a press release Wednesday that Jenius Bank will operate as a new division of its $4.3 billion-asset Manufacturers Bank in Los Angeles. Jenius will launch in “coming months,” initially offering personal loans before adding savings and checking products. “We have the rare opportunity to build exceptional products from scratch that uniquely meet the needs

August 24, 2022
Sullivan Bank in Mo. to offer bitcoin, Ethereum services

Sullivan Bank in Mo. to offer bitcoin, Ethereum services

Sullivan Bank in Sullivan, Mo., will let customers buy, sell and hold bitcoin and Ethereum through a partnership with Bakkt Holdings. Bakkt said in a press release that the $836 million-asset Sullivan decided to offer the service to better serve customers’ needs and to increase engagement. “We are pleased to work with Sullivan Bank to offer their customers the option to buy bitcoin and ether in their trusted digital banking app,” Mark

August 24, 2022
F&M in Va. to benefit from broker-dealer investment

F&M in Va. to benefit from broker-dealer investment

F&M Bank in Timberville, Va., should have a $3.8 million windfall from the sale of one of its investments.The $1.2 billion-asset company disclosed in a regulatory filing Tuesday that it will benefit from the sale of broker-dealer Infinex Financial Holdings to Advisor Group. F&M said it could also receive up to $750,000 from post-closing incentives. The company said it expects the transaction to close in the third or fourth quarter.

August 23, 2022
HBT Financial to buy Town and Country in Illinois

HBT Financial to buy Town and Country in Illinois

HBT Financial in Bloomington, Ill., has agreed to buy Town and Country Financial in Springfield, Ill.The $4.2 billion-asset HBT said in a press release that it will pay $101.4 million in cash and stock for the $875 million-asset Town and Country. The deal, which is expected to close in the first quarter, priced Town and Country at 139% of its tangible book value. Town and Country has $624 million of loans

August 23, 2022