Strategic Insights into Banking & Fintech

Ponce Financial applies for BHC in plan to switch to having national bank

Ponce Financial applies for BHC in plan to switch to having national bank

Ponce Financial Group in Bronx, N.Y., plans to become a bank holding company so its bank can receive a national charter. The $tk billion-asset company noted in a regulatory filing that Ponce Bank is currently a federally chartered stock savings association. While the company said it does not expect any material changes in its core business, it said the conversion will allow its bank to receive municipal deposits.

May 13, 2025
First Northwest in Wash. posts 1Q loss after credit issues, legal reserve

First Northwest in Wash. posts 1Q loss after credit issues, legal reserve

First Northwest Bancorp in Port Angeles, Wash., reported a quarterly loss that reflected credit issues and a legal reserve tied to litigation with a borrower group. The $2.2 billion-asset company said in a press release that it lost $9 million in the first quarter, an increase from its $2.8 million loss a quarter earlier. The company earned $396,000 a year earlier. First Northwest said the results included a $5.8 million

May 13, 2025
American Bancorp in Ga. raises $18 million via private placement

American Bancorp in Ga. raises $18 million via private placement

American Bancorp in Atlanta, which just announced its new CEO, has raised capital. The $540 million-asset bank brought in $18 million on May 7 through a private placement, according to data compiled by Performance Trust Capital Partners. No other details were immediately available. The bank recently announced that Dominik Mjartan had become its leader. He joined American from Optus Bank in South Carolina, where he was president and CEO.

May 12, 2025
Chickasaw Banc Holding to buy Oklahoma Heritage Bank

Chickasaw Banc Holding to buy Oklahoma Heritage Bank

Chickasaw Banc Holding in Oklahoma City has agreed to buy Oklahoma Heritage Bank in Ada. The parent of the $470 million-asset Chickasaw Community Bank did not disclose how much it will pay for the $100 million asset Oklahoma Heritage. The deal is expected to close in the second or third quarter. Chickasaw is a tribal-owned bank, while Oklahoma Heritage is owned by the family of Dr. Darryl Fisher.

May 9, 2025
Prematurely posted N.Y. bank application removed from FDIC’s system

Prematurely posted N.Y. bank application removed from FDIC’s system

An application for a proposed bank in New York has been removed. Organizers of the planned American Innovation Bank in Flushing, N.Y., submitted an application with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The FDIC, in response to a request for the application, said the document was "removed from the system" because it was a draft. "When a formal application is received, it will be set up [in] the system again and

May 7, 2025
AvidXchange going private with sale to TPG, Corpay

AvidXchange going private with sale to TPG, Corpay

AvidXchange Holdings in Charlotte, N.C., which provides accounts payable automation software and payment solutions for middle-market businesses, is being acquired. The company said in a press release that it agreed to sell to TPG and Corpay for $2.2 billion in cash. TPG will buy a majority interest through TPG Capital, while Corpay will have a minority stake. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter. “We are pleased

May 7, 2025
OceanFirst in N.J. shares more details on high-end banking push

OceanFirst in N.J. shares more details on high-end banking push

OceanFirst Financial in Toms River, N.J., is absorbing upfront expenses in anticipation of long-term gains from a premier banking push. The $13.3 billion-asset company said the concierge-heavy model is designed to attract low-cost deposits and complement its commercial and industrial lending operations—particularly in the New York metro market. As part of this initiative, OceanFirst onboarded nine premier banking teams in April, bringing in nearly 40 experienced bankers with proven track

May 7, 2025
Avidia in Massachusetts plans mutual-to-stock conversion

Avidia in Massachusetts plans mutual-to-stock conversion

Avidia Bank in Hudson, Mass., is planning to convert from a mutual to a stock holding company. The $2.7 billion-asset bank said in a regulatory filing that Avidia Bancorp, a newly formed holding company, plans to sell 12.3 million to 16.7 million shares of common stock. The offering could go up to 19.2 million shares if there is enough demand. Net proceeds could range from $118.3 million to $186 million.

May 7, 2025