De novo institutions

A group in North Carolina has finally gone public with its brand, and three other de novos have already been rebranded.

More than a third of banks formed from 2006 to 2008 no longer exist. Leaders of three banks still in business share their tips on how they have remained open — and relevant.

Blue Gate Bank, which opened in January 2017, is being sold to Big Poppy Holdings.

Seneca-Cayuga Bancorp wants a limited-use charter to maneuver around a New York law that bars mutuals from working with municipalities.

Organizers of Scottsdale Community Bank plan to raise a minimum of $16 million.

Community banks count on personal service as a differentiator to win business. But legacy technology issues can get in the way.

Watermark Bank would focus on business banking and entrepreneurs, with technology and concierge services designed to target those customers.

Beacon Community Bank, which opened in January, raised $34 million through a private placement.

A group led by former community bank CEO Dave Mallett hopes Ohio State Bank will open for business in Columbus by the end of the year.

Tax reform and the need for new, tech-savvy banks to compete with fintechs are high on a growing list of factors encouraging investors to gamble on banking startups.

Green Apple Bank & Trust, which recently filed an application with regulators, plans to open in the western part of the state by the end of this year.

Organizers of Studio Bank in Nashville have raised more than $40 million, satisfying the minimum amount set by regulators.

Organizers of CommerceOne Bank in Birmingham must raise at least $30 million before opening.

A Virginia bank's decision to pursue a charter in North Carolina puzzles some observers, given the added complexity and costs.

The bank, which already offers mortgages through seven offices across North Carolina, is the fourth group to announce plans for a de novo in the state.

Gulfside Bank, which would be based in Sarasota, is angling to become southwest Florida's first new bank in a decade.

Organizers want to open the first new bank in Michigan since 2009, while a third group in Florida has filed a de novo application.

With substantial regulatory relief within reach, community bankers should use their clout to shape cybersecurity policy and ensure a level playing field for banks and nonbanks, retiring ICBA chief Cam Fine says.

Organizers in Winston-Salem are planning to raise at least $25 million to form Community Bank of the Carolinas.

Two groups have announced plans to open banks in the state, and several others have had talks with regulators. Is there room for more?