Florida

A law that took effect this week allows Florida consumers to ask state regulators to investigate why a financial institution canceled an account or rejected a loan application. The law, which applies to federally chartered banks, could lead to a legal battle over the limits of state powers.

The 3-year-old Climate First in St. Petersburg appears primed to take its renewable energy lending nationwide now that it's exiting the de novo phase.

Six financial institutions may be placed on West Virginia's restricted list if they are found "boycott" the fossil fuel industry, Riley Moore said.

Dan Sheehan, former CEO at Professional Bank in Coral Gables, said he's "putting the band back together" to spearhead his new, Texas-based employer's expansion plans in the Sunshine State.

"Florida will not side with economic central planners; we will not adopt policies that threaten personal economic freedom and security," said Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The company has long focused on customers with ties to the two states. But as it emerges from the pandemic seeking new lending opportunities, CEO Rajinder Singh says, “We are looking at markets from Boston all the way down to Atlanta.”

Amerant Bank has invested $2.5 million in Marstone to provide a digital alternative to personal wealth advisors for new and existing clients. The technology "gets planning capabilities into the hands of any customer that wants them," says Jerry Plush, the Florida bank's new CEO.

The Dallas bank's $295 million acquisition of First Florida Integrity would give it its first presence on the East Coast.

Climate First Bank has raised $29 million in initial capital, surpassing the $17 million target set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Banking trade groups have called for congressional hearings following the Jacksonville, Fla.-based credit union's agreement to purchase the $1.6 billion-asset Heritage Southeast Bank, the largest deal of its kind to date.