Growth strategies

Some institutions have experimented with cash-based rewards to kick-start membership growth, but it's unclear whether the strategy will be widely adopted.

The $235 million acquisition will bring CEO Jared Wolff's company a trove of cheap deposits and the chance to slash costs without having to significantly change its business model.

The company agreed to buy Legacy Bank of Florida for $102 million.

Smith Shellnut Wilson has managed Business First's investment portfolio since the bank was formed 15 years ago.

Banc of California, which last bought a bank in 2013, has agreed to pay $235 million in stock for Pacific Mercantile, which is based in Costa Mesa, Calif.

UMB Financial’s success in aviation financing has boosted fee income, and the Missouri company has opened an office in Dublin — a hub for airplane sales and leases that could get busier as the airline industry restructures.

The de novo, which raised $33 million in initial capital, will become the state's third new bank since the 2008 financial crisis.

The Florida bank will expand to the east with its pending purchase of Hillsboro Bank.

Keith Costello, who is looking to form Locality Bank, was president and CEO of First Green Bank when it was sold in 2018.

First Internet CEO David Becker used to be dismissive of the Small Business Administration. But after getting to know some of the borrowers during the pandemic — and after his bank collected hefty fees from selling 7(a) loans — he's become a convert.