APRIL 23, 2018 | VOLUME 152, NUMBER 16 | WWW.BANKERSDIGEST.COM

TEXAS Earls, Former TIB President and CEO, Passes Away GAYLE M. EARLS, former president and issued upon his passing. “In fact, we Simmons Names Reddin CEO of TIB–The Independent Bankers- often referred to him affectionately as Banking Enterprise President , passed away on April 12 at age 81 the Marlboro Man.” It was just such after a courageous toughness that made Earls a key player On April 5, Pine Bluff-based Simmons battle with cancer. in helping the banking industry Bank announced that MATT REDDIN has His playful smile, survive a crippling economic downturn been named president of banking enter- booming West Texas in the 1980s. prise. He previously voice and passion After serving in the U.S. Army at Fort served as chief for both life and Knox, Earls became a human resource lending officer at community banking director at Tenneco, and then launched Simmons. In this is being recalled by his banking career in 1969 at InterFirst new role, Reddin many. Bank in Houston. During his 17 years will oversee the EARLS Born in Tonkawa, at InterFirst, he was named chairman chief lending officer , and raised in Denver City, of the board and CEO of two different and chief retail officer. The chief Texas, Earls was influenced by his sur- member , one in Odessa and one REDDIN roundings. “It should come as no sur- in Houston. While in those roles, he not lending officer prise that Gayle had a measure of grit only demonstrated his skill at resolving directs all commercial lending produc- about him,” is how his TIB colleagues problems with troubled banks, but also tion including small business, health- remembered him in an announcement Continued on page 10 care and agriculture lending. The chief retail officer manages the bank’s retail branch network and deposit strategy. Reddin will also be responsible for NEW MEXICO First National 1870 Names additional areas, including treasury management, product development, Overton Market President for Santa Fe and Los Alamos correspondent banking and mortgage. On April 9, Denver, -based in commercial banking, private banking, Reddin, a native of Camden, has First National 1870 announced that and wealth management. Most recently, a bachelor of arts degree in business DOLORES OVERTON has joined its Santa she was a senior private banker at a na- administration with an emphasis in Fe office in the tional bank serving clients in New Mex- management from Ouachita Baptist newly created role ico and West Texas. In addition to her University. He also completed the of market president. extensive banking background, Overton Southwestern Graduate School of Bank- She is responsible previously owned a small business that ing at SMU. for management provided strategic business consulting Reddin was selected as one of and growth of the and management services. Arkansas Business’ “40 Under 40” in bank in those two Overton holds a BBA in finance from 2009 and is a graduate of the Little regions. “Dolores St. Mary’s University and has completed Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce’s will work very the Western States School of Banking Leadership Greater Little Rock program. OVERTON closely with me and program. State-chartered as a communi- the rest of our leadership to advance First National 1870 is a division ty bank in 1903, Simmons Bank and our initiatives and build on our pres- of Sunflower Bank NA, which has 56 its parent company, Simmons First ence in Santa Fe and Los Alamos,” says banking locations and approximately $4 National Corp., have total assets of SCOTT Z. CZARNIAK, First National billion in assets. The company operates $15.1 billion with locations in Arkansas, 1870’s regional president. as Sunflower Bank in Colorado, Kansas, , Texas and . Overton has been in financial ser- and Missouri and First National 1870 in There are approximately 150 branches vices for 25 years, with specializations New Mexico and Texas. • and ATMs in 94 cities. •

PUBLISHED EVERY MONDAY EXCEPT THE FIFTH MONDAY OF THE MONTH TEXAS The National Bank of Texas in Fort Worth Announces Hirings and a Promotion JOSH SPIVEY has joined Fort Worth- department manager. She comes to the based The National Bank of Texas as company with more than 15 years of senior vice presi- banking experience, most recently as a dent/cashier. He real estate loan officer and loan depart- ESTABLISHED 1942 comes to the ment manager at The Community Bank (USPS 041180) company with more in Bridgeport. than 18 years of STEVE ANDERSON is the bank’s Southwest banking news experience, working new senior vice president and Fort published every Monday except most recently as a Worth branch president. He joined The the fifth Monday of the month at vice president/ National Bank of 1700 Rio Grande St., Ste. 100 branch operations Texas in 2017 as a Austin, Texas 78701 SPIVEY at Pinnacle Bank senior vice presi- Texas in Fort Worth. dent/loan officer. Neil Ferguson, Editor Spivey is a graduate Anderson comes to Contact Bankers Digest at of the Texas the company with 512/474-6889 Banker’s Associa- more than 28 years [email protected] tion’s Management of experience, most www.bankersdigest.com Development recently serving as ANDERSON Program. senior credit officer For display or classified GINA LAWLER at First State Bank in Decatur. advertising inquiries, email has been hired by Founded in 1972, The National Bank LAWLER [email protected] The National Bank of Texas has locations in Fort Worth, of Texas as a vice president/mortgage Hurst, Burleson and Azle. • One year subscription rate: Print and digital $52 Digital only $28 | Single copy $1

ARKANSAS Frisbee and Lopez Take Opinions expressed by on New Roles at First Community Bank writers of bylined articles in this publication are not necessarily COLBEY FRISBEE was recently named financial educa- those of Bankers Digest. We make community president for Bates- tion, building trust no representations or warranties ville-based First Community Bank’s and helping them for information, products Cabot market, navigate through the or services contained in any having joined the language barrier.” advertisement in this magazine company in 2016 as Lopez was previ- or on the Bankers Digest website. vice president of ously the director of Editorial guidelines may be commercial lending. small business and obtained upon request. Articles Frisbee has 11 entrepreneurship at LOPEZ and photos may be submitted to years of banking the Little Rock Re- above address or sent via email. experience and is a gional Chamber, a leadership organiza- graduate of Arkan- tion responsible for fostering economic Periodical postage paid at FRISBEE sas State University growth and development, where he Austin, Texas, and at additional at Beebe, where he earned his bache- worked with a team to assist the needs mailing offices. lor’s degree in business administration. of more than 1,200 small businesses. Also joining the team at First Com- His home base will be in Little Rock, POSTMASTER munity Bank is MIGUEL LOPEZ, who will but he will travel throughout First Com- Send address changes to use his bilingual talent to serve as a li- munity’s branch networks in Arkansas Bankers Digest aison for the Hispanic community. “The and Southwest Missouri to assist with 1700 Rio Grande St., Ste. 100 Hispanic population is one of the fastest the bank’s initiatives. Austin, Texas 78701 growing in the state of Arkansas,” Lopez Founded in 1997, First Community says. “And they are also one of the Bank currently has 21 locations across © 2018 BANKERS DIGEST most under-banked market segments. Arkansas and Southern Missouri, includ- I hope to bridge that gap by providing ing a new, second location in Cabot. •

2 | Bankers Digest April 23, 2018 Tidwell, Texas A&M Commercial Banking Program Chair, Texas A&M, Dr. Jim Kolari and Dr. Sorin Enlists Bankers’ Help to Nurture Industry Talent Sorescu, pitched the N JANUARY, BRAD TIDWELL, PRESIDENT AND CEO of Henderson, Tex- idea to a group of Aggie as-based Citizens National Bank, began a three-year term as chairman of the Com- bankers, including Robert Imercial Banking Program Advisory Board at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business Messer, Dwight Garey, School. He took over the position held by the advisory board’s founding chairman, Geoff Greenwade, Russell Robert Messer, senior executive vice president and CFO of American National Bank of Marshall and Tidwell. In Texas in Terrell. In addition, Geoff Greenwade, president and CEO of Houston-based 2011, the program was Green Bank NA, is the advisory board’s new vice chairman. launched as a collaborative effort between Texas A&M and the banking industry. A co-founder of the Commercial innovative banking program he now Since its founding, it has graduated Banking Program, Tidwell brings more chairs. In a career that’s included time approximately 160 students into full- than 33 years of experience in commer- at Allied Bancshares, JPMorgan Chase time positions at banks across Texas and cial lending, credit and Bank One, in 2008, Tidwell was Oklahoma. The program now offers both administration and named president and CEO at Citizens undergraduate- and graduate-level op- executive manage- National Bank. Since then, the bank has portunities and has partnered with the ment to his chair- grown from $700 million to more than Risk Management Association to incor- manship. He holds a $2.2 billion in assets. porate that organization’s credit analysis bachelor’s degree in The Commercial Banking Program class into the curriculum. The class is agricultural began when two finance professors at taught by visiting bankers throughout economics and a the spring semester and provides stu- master’s degree in By CECIL H. ARNIM III dents with practical knowledge to take TIDWELL agricultural finance Senior Vice President and Group Manager, with them to summer internships. from Texas A&M University, home of the Commercial Banking, Green Bank, Houston Continued on page 8

“DEI’s design team developed a design that improved efficiencies in operations, communications and customer interaction. Construction was managed by a dedicated DEI Site Manager that lived in our community and took a personal interest in our project.”

~Brian Schneider, President/CEO The First National Bank of Beeville

Don Neill, Regional Vice President 325.669.2131 | [email protected] qj www.dei-corp.com

Bankers Digest April 23, 2018 | 3 TEXAS Independent Bank Hires Stanley LOUISIANA and Newquist to Support Denton Growth Yonish Hired as Houston On March 27, Independent Bank AARON NEWQUIST comes to Inde- Market President for Group, Inc., the holding company for pendent Bank from First State Bank in IberiaBank McKinney-based Independent Bank, Denton, where he held the position of announced two additions to its Denton vice president/loan FRANK A. YONISH has been named County commercial lending teams. officer. His primary executive vice president and Houston DAVID STANLEY was formerly senior focus is on business market president for Lafayette-based vice president/commercial loan officer banking and IberiaBank. He will with First United Bank and Trust Co. He growing commercial be responsible for is experienced in real estate lending managing and commercial, relationships. developing the professional and Newquist is company’s Houston executive lending, completing his final franchise. Bryan NEWQUIST with a recent focus year at the South- Chapman, Iberia- on custom-builder western Graduate School of Banking. He Bank executive vice president, remains construction is a graduate of the University of North YONISH lending and Texas and the 40th class of the Texas president of the integration with Tech School of Banking. Energy Group in Houston. STANLEY mortgage lending Independent Bank Group operates Yonish has lived in Houston 35 operations. Stanley is a graduate of the four market regions: Dallas/Fort Worth, years and is well known in the business University of Texas and the Southwest- Austin and Houston, as well as the Col- and banking community. Prior to joining ern Graduate School of Banking. orado Front Range areas. IberiaBank, he worked 12 years at Bank • of Texas where he managed a commer- cial C&I team. He started his banking career in 1983 with Texas Commerce Bank, where he graduated from its training program. He then moved to First City/First Interstate in 1988 as a C&I and CRE banker and, in 1997, joined Frost Bank as the market president for Fort Bend County. Yonish is a graduate of the University of Michigan. Yonish serves on the board of trust- ees for the Houston Symphony and the business council for the Stages Reper- tory Theatre in Houston. “Frank’s strong knowledge of the Houston market, extensive experience in the commercial C&I and CRE sec- tors and personal involvement in the With you for community will be a tremendous asset to our company’s continued growth in Houston,” says PETE YUAN, Texas the home stretch. regional president for IberiaBank. “He is an established and respected banker who brings the skill set for building a strong cohesive team to successfully compete in the Houston market.” IberiaBank Corp. is a financial hold- ing company with 320 combined offices, including 216 bank branch offices and one loan production office in Louisiana, Everyone needs a trusted advisor. Who’s yours? bkd.com/fs | @bkdFS Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. •

4 | Bankers Digest April 23, 2018 OKLAHOMA TEXAS Trinity Bank Adds Executive Vice President Herburger Joins First On April 5, Fort Worth-based Trinity al years and are excit- Oklahoma Bank Bank NA announced that MATT OPITZ has ed to have him join us. joined the bank as executive vice presi- His background and First Oklahoma Bank, based in Jenks, dent. A graduate of Texas Christian Uni- experience in the Fort announced that KIP HERBURGER has versity, he comes to Trinity Bank after 10 Worth market are joined its banking team as an executive years with another financial institution. a perfect fit for our vice president in “Trinity is one of the few remaining strategy and vision.” lending. He previ- banks in the area with local ownership Founded In 2003, ously worked at focused on local customer service and Trinity Bank is rated OPITZ Central National local decision making,” says JEFFREY M. among the top banks Bank & Trust as HARP, Trinity Bank president. “We have in the U.S. by the independent rating president and chief followed Matt’s banking career for sever- agency Weiss Ratings LLC. • operating officer. With more than 30 years of banking HERBURGER TEXAS experience, he also First Financial Bankshares Promotes Stevens to has held positions at Citizens Bank, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Advertising Bank of Oklahoma and Kansas State Abilene-based First Financial Bank- Financial in 2000, serving in an opera- Bank & Trust in Wichita. shares has announced the promotion of tions capacity until 2003, at which time Herburger earned his bachelor’s MICHELE STEVENS to executive vice she began her leadership role in degree in finance from Oklahoma State president of marketing and advertising. She was University. He also is a graduate of the marketing and promoted to senior vice president of Southwestern Graduate School of Bank- advertising. She marketing and advertising in 2006. ing at SMU. joined the company Stevens graduated from Angelo Founded in 2009, First Oklahoma in 1985 and served State University with a bachelor of arts Bank has grown to approximately 100 in various marketing, degree and from Tarleton State Univer- employees with a new headquarters in public relations and sity with an MBA. She also graduated Jenks and locations in midtown Tulsa training roles for from the Bank Marketing Association and Glencoe. • five years. She Graduate School of Marketing in Boul- STEVENS rejoined First der, Colorado. • MISSISSIPPI Citizens Bank Hires Branch as Vice President PROTOTYPE DESIGN & ROLLOUT • BRANCH TRANSFORMATION • MAIN OFFICES/ HEADQUARTERS In April, PHILLIP BRANCH joined Colum- bia-based Citizens Bank as vice president. A licensed CPA in Mississippi, he comes to the bank with more than 10 years of specialized experi- ence in risk man- agement, with extensive experi- ence serving community-based BRANCH financial institutions. Branch earned a bachelor of accountancy from Mississippi State Uni- versity and is a graduate of the Universi- ty of Mississippi’s School of Banking. 14333 GRISBY R D HOUS TON TEXAS 77079 Founded in 1913, Citizens Bank op- WWW.MGARCHITECTS.COM • 713-552-O7O7 erates nine locations in Mississippi. •

Bankers Digest April 23, 2018 | 5 ARIZONA Northrop Joins Johnson Financial LOUISIANA Group as Vice President–Mortgage Sales Manager Investar Bank CHRIS NORTHROP has joined Racine, a team of mortgage loan officers. Promotes Guidry to CIO Wisconsin-based Johnson Financial Northrop comes to Johnson Bank with Baton Rouge-based Investar Bank Group as vice 17 years of experience in both mortgage recently promoted MARCEL GUIDRY to president–mortgage and private banking. Most recently, he chief information officer. For the past sales manager at served at Compass Bank for 10 years. two and a half years, Johnson Bank in Privately owned Johnson Financial he has served as the Scottsdale, Arizona. Group provides financial solutions information technol- His primary respon- through Johnson Bank, Johnson In- ogy director, during sibility is to grow surance and Cleary Gull Advisors. The which time Investar and strengthen the $4-billion financial services company doubled the number bank’s mortgage operates in Wisconsin, Arizona and NORTHROP of branches that his presence by adding Minnesota. • team supports. With the bank’s recent GUIDRY acquisition of The TEXAS TIB Announces Promotions in April Highlands Bank, he oversees IT opera- tions for 21 Investar locations. Dallas-based TIB–The Independent LARRY HAMILTON has been pro- Guidry has more than 20 years of BankersBank, NA, announced several moted to TIB Card Services officer/ experience in IT. He holds a bachelor key promotions in April. senior card systems analyst; ANAVEL of arts degree from Louisiana State Four associates have been promot- MARTINEZ was promoted to merchant University, as well as CCNP, CCVP and ed within the company’s loan review services officer/TIB Card Services;TONY MCSE certifications. and compliance arm, TIB–Bequeaith MUELLER has been named first vice Investar Bank operates 20 branches Banking Solutions: GREG ODEAN, first president/security systems officer; across southern Louisiana. vice president/engagement; KRISTEN and FRANCES NUBLA was promoted to • RITTER, first vice president/engagement merchant services officer/project and leader; SHERRI LOWERY, vice president/ support manager for TIB Card Services. TEXAS senior compliance analyst; and CLINT TIB serves the correspondent bank- Garrett, Longtime Banker, JAY, compliance services officer/senior ing needs of nearly 1,600 independent Passes Away risk services specialist. community banks in 48 states. • JOHN WILLIAM GARRETT JR. died on April 7. Born in 1945, he spent most of his career as a banker. After graduating from Southwest Texas State Univer- sity with a degree in business, he began his career at Victoria Bank and Trust in Victoria. From there, he moved to El Paso to GARRETT JR. work in the market- ing department at El Paso National Bank, then as a correspondent banker and finally as a senior commercial loan officer. Garrett eventually relocated to Western Bank in Las Cruces, New Mexico, working there from 1982 to 1988. In 1993, he and his wife, Debbie, opened their own mortgage brokerage firm in Las Cruces, where he worked until his retirement in 2009. •

6 | Bankers Digest April 23, 2018 TEXAS ARKANSAS Simmons Bank Begins Move to Acxiom Building Triumph Bancorp to Acquire SIMMONS BANK OF PINE BLUFF has first quarter of 2019,” CAROLINE MAKRIS, First Bancorp of Durango relocated about 100 bank employees Simmon’s marketing manager and vice into the former headquarters of Acxiom president, told the Democrat-Gazette, and Southern Colorado Corp. in downtown Little Rock’s River Market adding that by then the bank hopes to On April 9, Dallas-based TRIUMPH District, according to a recent report in have 350 employees in the building. “Our BANCORP INC. announced that it has the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Work four-year plan is to accommodate more signed definitive agreements to ac- to remodel the building hasn’t begun. than 500 employees.” Simmons Bank quire Colorado-based First Bancorp of “We are finalizing construction plans purchased the property from Acxiom for Durango Inc. and Southern Colorado and2017 hope BIA Mag to complete ad.qxp_Bankers the project Digest byAd the4C 8/31/17$25 7:10 million AM Page last 1year. • Corp. First Bancorp of Durango is a with $646 million in total assets as of December 31, 2017. Its community banking subsidiary, THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DURANGO, serves consumers and businesses from four branches in Durango, Colorado, and one branch in Bayfield, Colorado. Its BANK OF NEW MEXICO subsidiary has three branches in Albuquerque, Gallup and Grants, New Mexico. Southern Colorado Corp. is a bank holding company with $88 million in total assets as of December 31, 2017. Its community banking subsidiary, CITI- ZENS BANK OF PAGOSA SPRINGS, serves consumers and businesses from its two branches in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. These transactions have been unanimously approved by the boards of directors and are subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of re- quired regulatory approvals. The trans- PROVIDING INSURANCE PROTECTION actions are expected to close during the FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS third quarter of 2018. Financial Institution Bond Following the close of the transac- tions, The First National Bank of Durango, Directors and Officers Liability Policy Bank of New Mexico and Citizens Bank of Cyber Liability/Privacy Breach Response Pagosa Springs will be merged into the Commercial Property, Auto, Worker’s Compensation company’s subsidiary bank, TBK BANK Lender Placed Insurance SSB, with the resulting institution operat- Mortgage E&O and Impairment ing under the TBK Bank brand name. “We are really excited about the Debit and Credit Card Fraud acquisitions of The First National Bank Insurance Coverage Review of Durango, Bank of New Mexico and Group Health Insurance Citizens Bank of Pagosa Springs,” says Insurance for Your Bank Commercial Customers AARON P. GRAFT, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Triumph Ban- corp. “As a result of these transactions, TBK Bank’s presence will be among the Proudly endorsed by the Texas, Oklahoma largest in the state of Colorado.” and Colorado Bankers Association TBK Bank SSB offers commercial and 800ˆ318ˆ4142 consumer banking products in Texas, INSURANCE“BIA.INSURANCE • WWW.BIA.INSURANCE Colorado, Kansas, Iowa and Illinois. •

Bankers Digest April 23, 2018 | 7 Tidwell continued from page 3 Tidwell’s second goal is to build a ARIZONA stable funding base by widening bank Among the issues that the Com- membership in the program, eventu- Mohave State Bank mercial Banking Program has sought ally enabling the establishment of a Named 2018 Bank of to address is the growing concern that permanent endowment, which will help the banking industry suffers from a attract top talent to the program. the Year by Western talent shortage. Specifically, there has The third, and most ambitious, goal Independent Bankers been a dearth of trained entry-level is to create a nationally recognized re- Western Independent Bankers, a division talent seeking employment at banks, a search institute for commercial banking of the Western Bankers Association, has problem compounded by the growing that would provide cutting-edge re- awarded its 2018 Bank of the Year to number of baby-boomer-aged bankers search and be the premier data provider Lake Havasu City-based MOHAVE STATE heading into retirement. for the commercial banking industry. BANK. The announcement was made in Additional threats contributing to In order to accomplish these goals, March at the association’s annual con- the shortage include the elimination Tidwell is urging community, regional ference in Kauai, Hawaii, which hosted of in-house training programs and an and national banks to expand intern- a record-breaking audience of bank increasing number of employment ship and mentoring opportunities for presidents, senior officers and directors. options at finance industry alternatives. banking students, and to take part in Award recipients were honored for their Community banks across the state have programs like the one at Texas A&M. He enduring impact on the communities been hit the hardest from the talent risk, and his colleagues stress that increas- they serve, exceptional performance and but the Commercial Banking Program ing banker involvement nationwide is demonstrated industry innovation. is determined to help the industry the key to the long-term success of Under the guidance of its president educate and promote an abundance of both the program and the industry. and CEO, BRIAN RILEY, Mohave State human resources. The Mays Business School at Bank has found tremendous success in During his tenure as chairman, Tid- Texas A&M University educates more terms of growth, sustainability and its well is focusing on three primary goals. than 6,400 undergraduate, master’s far-reaching impact on the community. First is to continue to grow the program, and doctoral students in accounting, “We are humbled to be named as the both in terms of student enrollment and finance, management, management WIB’s 2018 Bank of the Year,” Riley says. funding. Financial contributions from information systems, marketing and “Community banks across the western the banking industry, along with indus- supply-chain management. Mays con- region have such a daily impact on the tries that support commercial banking, sistently ranks among the top public communities they serve. Mohave State are critical to ensure the stability and business schools in the country for its Bank is honored to be recognized for long-term viability of the program. programs and faculty research. • the difference we make in Arizona.” “What I find most impressive about Mohave State Bank is their leadership’s ability to recognize the diversity within Let our loan experts their footprint and extend a level of trust help your bank grow in the managers to meet and exceed the needs of each local market,” says • Fund overline loan participations MICHAEL DELUCCHI, executive director • Finance acquisitions of Western Independent Bankers. “This, • Raise capital coupled with strong bank performance • Finance bank and holding and their unwavering commitment to company stock community, makes Mohave State Bank an ideal recipient of Bank of the Year.” Let The Bankers Bank take the State Bank Corp. is the parent com- hassle out of your lending needs so pany of Mohave State Bank, the largest you can focus on what matters locally owned bank in Mohave County. most to your bank: your customers. Established in 1991, the bank has nine full-service branches. Lynn Krauss With more than 200 years of com- Senior Vice President, Texas Lending Division bined experience serving banks, the [email protected] Western Bankers Association is one of Mobile: 512-983-2275 the largest state banking trade associa- tions and regional educational organiza- w w w . t b b . b a n k • 8 0 0 - 5 2 2 - 9 2 2 0 tions in the U.S. •

8 | Bankers Digest April 23, 2018 TEXAS Enforcement Report: Widespread Fraud Found in Cryptocurrency Offerings The enforcement division of the TEXAS It is important to note that the Texas cryptocurrency investments ramped up STATE SECURITIES BOARD recently issued State Securities Board is not regulating their marketing to Texans. In fact, 19 of a report on the widespread fraud in the cryptocurrencies themselves, only the 32 investigations involved compa- cryptocurrency offerings during an the offerings that claim to use virtual nies that claimed they would use Bitcoin investigation of investment offerings currencies in an investment program. to make money by trading it or using it that were tied to virtual currencies. The Certain actions effectively stopped to invest in other businesses. full results are in the board’s 14-page the offering of fraudulent investments Bitcoin is widely considered the first Enforcement Report: Widespread Fraud to Texans. Shortly after SECURITIES modern cryptocurrency and the most Found in Cryptocurrency Offerings. COMMISSIONER TRAVIS J. ILES entered valuable cryptocurrency by market cap- Last December, enforcement staff an emergency cease-and-desist order italization, but newer cryptocurrencies began reviewing investment offerings against BitConnect, the value of the were also offered for sale to investors. by promoters who appeared to be company’s own cryptocurrency, called R2B Coin, for example, claimed its new- using online advertisements, social BitConnect Coin, fell from $2.6 billion to ly created currency, r2b coin, would be media and other public solicitations nearly zero. traded on international exchanges and, illegally and fraudulently to attract “The investigations show significant despite the volatility inherent in trading, Texas investors. Attorneys and investi- risks in investing in securities that sup- would never decrease in value. gators opened 32 investigations over a posedly use cryptocurrencies to enrich R2B Coin, purportedly based in four-week period starting December 18, investors,” Iles says. “There is a lot of Hong Kong, was offering the investment 2017. Among the findings: hype surrounding cryptocurrencies, but through a corporation it claimed was a ▸▸ No promoters were registered to the companies offering investments are “licensed global firm” for securities. The sell securities in Texas, a violation of often not disclosing all the information firm is not licensed in Texas, however, the Texas Securities Act; investors need to make an informed and there is no evidence it is licensed ▸▸ 30 promoters were broadly using decision.” with other governmental regulators. websites, social media and online On December 16, shortly before The Texas State Securities Board advertising to market to Texans; the enforcement division started its is issuing this report as a resource to ▸▸ Seven promoters were offering regulatory sweep, the price of Bitcoin assist Texans in understanding crypto- securities tied to a new reached $19,343, the high for 2017 and currency-related investments and to cryptocurrency; a 231 percent increase from November learn how to identify suitable securities ▸▸ At least five promoters all 12. As the price of Bitcoin and major offerings that are in compliance with but ignored investing risks by cryptocurrencies spiked, promoters of state law and regulations. • guaranteeing returns, some as high as 40 percent per month; BANKS AND CREDIT UNIONS ▸▸ Only 11 promoters provided potential investors with a physical Do you needHeflin Convenient Building Customer Systems, Locations LP ? address, leaving investors with little “Providing your every construction need” recourse if they lost their money; and We provide regional ▸▸ Six of the offerings involved payment design and construction of a commission to investors who 8at Innovativea cost less than local recruited new investors into the 8Architectural/GeneralExperienced scheme. contractor costs. The investigations resulted in the 8Our complimentary securities commission taking seven Professional actions against illegal or fraudulent marketing package cryptocurrency promoters. Texas was includesCall us a 3Dtoday! computer the first state securities regulator to rendering. enter an order against a cryptocurrency 817-460-0100Is your Board getting the firm and has entered the most orders of best cost for your next any state regulator. Enforcement staff We offer Permanent or Temporary Buildings of any styleproject? construction with is continuing to investigate offerings competitiveCALL pricing US! and complimentary marketing packages that include uncovered during the sweep and has Site Plan, Floor Plan, Elevations and 3D Computer Renderings to ensure to date opened approximately 60 your HEFLINcomplete satisfaction. BUILDING SYSTEMS investigative files related to investment P.0. Box 1520042305 • RooseArlington,velt TexasDrive, 76015Suite D • 817-460-0100Arlington, Texas • 76016 www.heflinbuildings.com programs involving cryptocurrencies. fax (817)460-0111 www.heflinbuildings.com

Bankers Digest April 23, 2018 | 9 Gayle Earls continued from page 1 president and CEO of the Independent MISSISSIPPI Bankers Association of Texas. “His West at managing financial institutions for Texas grit and vast knowledge of the Offices the long term. industry and its players contributed to In 1986, he was hired as president his great success. On a personal note, I The New York State Department and CEO of TIB–The Independent Bank- will miss his guidance and friendship.” of Financial Services reports that ersBank in Dallas and held that position “When I met Gayle, we developed a WHITNEY BANK, based in Gulfport, has until retiring in 2005. But “retirement,” very quick rapport,” says JERRY WALKER, applied to establish a trust office at in his case, is defined loosely. After president and CEO of the Independent 225 Broadhollow Rd. in Huntington, leaving TIB, he thrust himself into new Community Bankers Association of New New York. The bank is a subsidiary of endeavors, including investment bank- Mexico. “He was a sweetheart of a guy Hancock Holding Co. ing and using his experience to help with a great sense of humor, and he did the FDIC resolve two failing bankers’ a great deal for the industry.” OKLAHOMA banks during the economic downturn Walker recalls that Earls was keen Branches that started in 2008. Following those on nurturing the future of the banking engagements, he was named chairman industry. “Gayle was a strong supporter The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City of the board of AccessBank in Denton, a of the Independent Community Bank- reports that OKLAHOMA CAPITAL BANK, position he held until shortly before his ers Association of New Mexico and our based in Tulsa, has applied to open a passing. education programs during and after branch at 8080 S. Yale Ave. in Tulsa. Among the many honors bestowed his service with TIB,” he says. In 2006, upon Earls for his service to the banking the association established the Gayle TEXAS industry, he received the Texas Tech Earls Academic Achievement Award at University College of Business Distin- the Western States School of Banking Charters guished Alumnus Award, Independent in Durango, Colorado, which contin- Bankers Association of Texas Chair- ues to provide scholarship money in The Texas Department of Banking (TDB) man’s Award, Texas Bankers Association Earls’ honor to the highest-performing reports that it has received a charter Chairman’s Award and the Southwest- student from an ICBA/NM member bank application by KIRBY DRIVE INTERIM ern Graduate School of Banking Distin- every year. BANK, 2323 Victory Ave. in Dallas. guished Alumnus Award. Earls is survived by his second wife, The TDB reports that it has received an “Gayle Earls shepherded TIB through Dolores (his high school sweetheart), application by GUADALUPE BANK, based one of the most difficult economic times his children, Kelly and Brenda, and their in Kerrville, to convert to Guadalupe in Texas history,” says CHRIS WILLISTON, families. • National Bank.

Branches

DESIGN YOUR OWN BANK The TDB reports that CENTENNIAL BANK, www.NorthAmericanBuildings.com based in Lubbock, has applied to open a branch at 901 S. MoPac Expy., Barton Custom Designed Bank Oaks II, Ste. 525, in Austin. Buildings To Fit Your Needs

The Office of the Comptroller of the

Currency (OCC) reports that THE FIRST Provide A Design Package (which includes floor plan, plot plan and elevations at no cost) NATIONAL BANK OF SONORA, based in Sonora, has applied to open a branch at Financial Equipment Package Available 1570 River Rd. in Boerne. The OCC reports that CITIZENS Over 800 Financial NATIONAL BANK OF TEXAS, based in Building Projects Completed Waxahachie, has opened a branch in 800-888-8866 the CNB Bates Building at 2001 Bates Dr. in Waxahachie.

10 | Bankers Digest April 23, 2018 SERVICES experience in managing the operations looking for a president or senior banker of a bank. The ability to prepare a call with 10+ years experience in all aspects INTERNAL AUDIT OUTSOURCING: Time to report a plus, but can train. Knowledge of operating a retail bank. Work with improve or develop your internal audit of the structure pertaining to manag- the current president during transition. function? Our firm can help! We provide ing the general ledger will be required. Send résumé to [email protected] administrative guidance or training to Salary commensurate with qualifications. or call Anthony Potenti 214/515-7609. your personnel or will handle all your Please send reply in confidence by send- internal audit needs. Oversight, opera- ing résumé and salary requirements to BANKING PRODUCT MANAGER–REMOTE tional, IT, regulatory compliance, FDICIA [email protected]. OR IN OFFICE: Excellent opportunity to and SOX—we can assist your company lead and manage the product manage- in all facets of internal auditing. Call COMMERCIAL LENDER, DENTON: Denton’s ment team. Opportunity to work from Bryan Kendrick to discuss at 210/ best bank is seeking a credit-skilled home or office in the Louisiana, Dallas 413-4134 or visit our website at producer to grow portfolio and develop or Houston footprint. Please call or www.kendrickservices.com. new clients. Competitive salary, strong send résumé to [email protected] benefits, respected bankers. Mark Mitch- 214/515-7606. TWO RECENT MERGERS put a hole in ell, Lone Star Search, 972/335-9009. my schedule. Call 832/418-0643 for BRANCH CEO/LENDER KOUNTZE AND top-quality affordable loan review CREDIT ANALYST–TEXAN BANK: Texan SOUR LAKE: Citizens Bank is looking for services. Bank, a $246-million bank located in an energetic individual to manage and Houston and named one of 2018’s “Best grow branches located in Kountze and POSITIONS AVAILABLE Companies to Work for in Texas,” seeks Sour Lake. Degree required with at least credit analyst. To learn more, see the 10 years commercial lending experience. COMPLIANCE ANALYST: Local community full job description at texanbank.com/ Formal credit training a plus. Must pos- bank in Shreveport is seeking a compli- Employment.aspx. Equal opportunity sess experience in all areas of banking. ance professional. Applicants must have employer. Prefer individual currently working in the knowledge of commercial, consumer area. Apply online at www.citizensbank- and mortgage compliance, including PRESIDENT: Community bank just tx.com. Excellent benefit package. Equal HMDA and CRA. BSA experience is also outside the Dallas/Fort Worth area is Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. preferred. Must have knowledge of all banking regulations. Salary is commen- surate with experience. Please send résumés to [email protected] using the subject line “AP-1.” Classified Advertising Information

RESPONDING TO CLASSIFIED ADS: When responding to classified COMMERCIAL LOAN OFFICER: FIRST LOCK- ads directed to a box number at Bankers Digest, email inquiries to HART NATIONAL BANK seeks a qualified [email protected]. Please include the box number in commercial loan officer to help expand subject line. You may also mail responses to Box Number c/o Bankers its presence in the Austin market. Suc- Digest, 1700 Rio Grande St., Ste. 100, Austin, Texas 78701. cessful candidate must have at least five years of direct commercial lending CLASSIFIED AD RATES: Advertising rates are $45 for the first 30 words; experience. Must have exceptional busi- $10 for each additional 10 words per insertion. Ads that use a Bankers ness development skills and also be an Digest box number for forwarding responses will be charged an effective underwriter. Knowledge and additional $5 per insertion for handling. Classified ads are posted on the prior success in commercial real estate Bankers Digest website (www.bankersdigest.com) for the duration of the lending is essential. Experience in the advertising agreement at no additional charge. The advertising deadline Central Texas market would be a plus. is noon Monday for the following Monday’s publication. Only principals FLNB offers competitive benefits and will be assigned box numbers. salary based on qualifications. Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candi- DISCLAIMER: Bankers Digest makes no representations or warranties for dates may submit résumés to humanre- information, products or services contained in any advertisement herein [email protected]. or on the publication’s website.

CHIEF OPERATING/FINANCIAL OFFICER DISPLAY ADVERTISING: For information on display advertising in Bankers NEEDED for succession purposes for Digest, email inquiries to [email protected]. American Exchange Bank, Henryetta, Oklahoma. Qualified applicant will have

Bankers Digest April 23, 2018 | 11 PERIODICAL

1700 RIO GRANDE ST., STE. 100 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 (USPS 041180)

ADDRESS CHANGES: When contacting Bankers Digest about your subscription, enclose the address label from your most recent issue. Changes in address or other information can be made at www.bankersdigest.com.

TEXAS IBC Bank Engages J.D. Power for Customer Satisfaction Surveys Laredo-based IBC BANK has announced “Through this engagement with J.D. to improve products and the customer an engagement with J.D. Power, a leader Power, we strive to continue to do more experience at the branches and through in consumer insights, data, analytics [‘We Do More’ is the bank’s slogan] for digital banking services. and advisory services that helps brands our customers by measuring the quality IBC Bank is a member of Interna- enhance and understand customer expe- of service we provide and therefore tional Bancshares Corp., a $12.2-billion rience. As of April 16, J.D. Power began enhance our service skills,” says DENNIS multi-bank financial holding compa- measuring IBC Bank’s customer satis- E. NIXON, IBC Bank CEO and chairman of ny with 192 facilities and more than faction with the service quality provided the board. 294 ATMs serving 88 communities across the branch network. J.D. Power Customers can expect to receive in Texas and Oklahoma. International will survey customers in regards to satis- emails or telephone calls inviting them Bancshares was ranked 19th on Forbes’ faction with IBC Bank’s products, branch to complete a customer satisfaction prestigious list of 100 Best Banks in quality and services, ATMs and online/ questionnaire. Feedback from custom- America in 2018. In 2016, IBC celebrat- mobile banking services. ers will be used to support initiatives ed its 50th anniversary. •

Universal Banker

Cafe O ce

Tech Wait Desk NextGen Teller Pod

Is Your Branch Future Ready?

Micro-branches to home o ces, PhaseOne’s future ready branches optimize branch operations and call centers while infusing design elements that create an inviting banking experience for all. We provide turnkey design build services including architectural design, construction, branch transformation, prototype design, site selection, aordability analysis, and other strategic facility planning services. PHASEONE Contact us for a free strategic facility planning consultation. 800.972.6443 | [email protected] | www.phaseonebuilders.com