Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

Bank of Idaho to sell trust and wealth management division

Bank of Idaho to sell trust and wealth management division

Bank of Idaho in Idaho Falls has agreed to sell its trust and wealth management division to Idaho Trust Co. in Boise. The $1.3 billion-asset Bank of Idaho said the sale should close in the first quarter; the price wasn't disclosed. The bank said the sale allows it to focus on its core business of commercial and personal banking. “Our priority has always been to provide our customers with the

January 9, 2025
Central Bancshares in Iowa promotes insider as new CEO

Central Bancshares in Iowa promotes insider as new CEO

Central Bancshares in Muscatine, Iowa, has a new leader. The parent of the $1.6 billion-asset CBI Bank & Trust said in a press release that Dwayne Sieck had become its president and CEO. Sieck, who was president of CBI Bank, also joined the company's board. Sieck succeeded Gregory Kistler, who retired. “Dwayne’s strategic vision, passion for innovation, and deep understanding of the financial industry make him the ideal leader to

January 9, 2025
Next-gen leaders announced at investment bank Stephens

Next-gen leaders announced at investment bank Stephens

Stephens in Little Rock, Ark., is opting for two leaders as part of its succession plan. The family-owned investment bank said in a press release that brothers Miles Stephens and John Stephens have been named co-CEOs, succeeding their father, Warren Stephens. Their sister, Laura Brookshire, will chair the executive committee. Warren Stephens, who ran the company for 39 years, will remain chairman. Miles Stephens has been president and CEO of

January 8, 2025
First Keystone in Pa. snags banking vet as next CEO

First Keystone in Pa. snags banking vet as next CEO

First Keystone in Berwick, Pa., has hired a veteran banker as its next CEO. The company disclosed in a regulatory filing that Jack Jones had become its chief operating officer. He will become president and CEO on Jan. 31 when Elaine Woodland retires. Jones was chief banking officer and a regional president at Penns Woods Bancorp.

January 7, 2025
Community Bank Holdings in Texas to buy CapTex Bancshares

Community Bank Holdings in Texas to buy CapTex Bancshares

Community Bank Holdings of Texas in Corsicana has agreed to buy CapTex Bancshares in Fort Worth, Texas. Community Bank Holdings, the parent of the $1.3 billion-asset Community National Bank & Trust of Texas, expects to complete its purchase of the holding company for the $344.5 million-asset CapTex Bank in the second quarter. The price wasn't disclosed. Performance Trust Capital Partners advised CapTex.

January 7, 2025
Anchor State in Illinois promotes insider to become CEO

Anchor State in Illinois promotes insider to become CEO

Anchor State Bank in Anchor, Ill., has a new CEO. The $56.4 million-asset bank announced on LinkedIn that its board had named Chris Crider to succeed Jim Eckert. Crider has been the bank's president since January 2024. Eckert, who had been CEO since 1979, will serve as a part-time executive vice president until his retirement. He will remain on the bank's board.

January 7, 2025
Fintech-focused group in Texas selects new CEO

Fintech-focused group in Texas selects new CEO

Bankers Helping Bankers, a fintech-focused group affiliated with the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, has a new CEO. Matthew Smith was named to lead the group, which provides a variety of resources for community banks. “Matthew Smith has been an instrumental leader in building Bankers Helping Bankers into what it is today,” Dave Mayo, the group's founder, said in a press release. “His vision, passion, and ability to unite people

January 7, 2025
CFPB sues Vanderbilt Mortgage for alleged risky lending practices

CFPB sues Vanderbilt Mortgage for alleged risky lending practices

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance in Maryville, Tenn., alleging risky lending practices tied to manufactured home sales. The bureau claimed in a press release that Vanderbilt, a unit of Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary Clayton Homes, had a business model that "ignored clear and obvious red flags that the borrowers could not afford the loans." The CFPB's litigation aims to stop Vanderbilt’s illegal

January 7, 2025