Homegrown Lee County bank hits $1B asset milestone

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, founded 22 years ago, has surpassed a significant milestone: $1 billion in assets.

The bank, according to a statement, had $27 million in assets in its first year. Getting to $1 billion in assets represents 3,603.7% growth. 

“Reaching this milestone speaks to the trust our customers have in us, the strategic leadership of our board, the commitment of our shareholders and the tireless efforts of our team,” Sanibel Captiva Community Bank President and CEO Kyle DeCicco says in the statement. “This bank was built on relationships – putting people first, making decisions locally and reinvesting every possible dollar back into the communities we serve.”

The billion-dollar mark is rare among Southwest Florida community banks. The only other one to have hit that mark in Lee County is Fort Myers-based FineMark National Bank & Trust, founded in 2007. That institution had $3.96 billion in assets through March 31, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data. Also, out of more than 4,500 community banks in the U.S., only 12% have reached the $1 billion to $5 billion dollar mark, the release states.

The $1 billion milestone arrives as the bank continues to invest in Southwest Florida, including a new full-service branch coming to Fort Myers Beach in 2026, where it is already operating a temporary office and serves as the only bank on the island. In addition, SanCap officials say that over the past decade, the bank has maintained an “exceptionally high loan-to-deposit ratio of 92%, turning the dream of homeownership into reality, helping local businesses start, thrive and grow and fueling nonprofit work.”

DeCicco, in the release, also keeps the milestone in perspective. 

“Growth will never change our purpose. We’re here to serve our community — and we always will,” he says. “We’re proud to remain locally owned and operated, with no plans to sell or change who we are. This milestone belongs to every customer, employee and community partner who has been part of our journey. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and are excited for what’s next.”

Founded in 2003, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has nine locations open throughout Lee County. It has more than 120 employees, and more than 60% are current shareholders.