Finance

By Amanda Postma
December 16, 2022

New trust firm managing principal transitions with two senior-level hires

With succession plan in place six years ago, Susan Hines wasn't caught off guard when she was promoted to managing principal.

Finance

By Brian Hartz
December 15, 2022

Fintech company banks on consumers' values-driven monetary decisions

In a time when people increasingly look to spend money on products and services that align with their beliefs and ethics, St. Petersburg's OneEthos sees a big opportunity to monetize its data set.

Finance

By Brian Hartz
November 16, 2022

St. Pete bank acquires fintech platform

Ecountabl, now owned by Climate First Bank, indexes thousands of companies’ environment, social and governance performance.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Mark Gordon
November 10, 2022

Naples ultra-high net worth services firm finds exit strategy

Benson Blackburn founder Michael Benson says he considers the deal more of a "merger than an acquisition."

Finance

By Business Observer Staff
November 8, 2022

Locally owned bank hires senior vice president, market president

Adam Curtis, formerly of Freedom Bank, Regions Bank and SunTrust Bank, has joined St. Petersburg-based BayFirst National Bank.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Business Observer Staff
October 10, 2022

New York credit union kicks off national expansion effort with Gulf Coast branch

Teachers Federal Credit Union’s Tampa office will be the institution’s first out-of-state location.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Brian Hartz
September 23, 2022

St. Pete bank, citing economic uncertainty, pulls plug on mortgage lending

BayFirst will continue to offer mortgages to local borrowers but plans to shut down its nationwide loan production.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Mark Gordon
September 23, 2022

Two ambitious businesswomen deliver new dynamic to Florida’s trust industry

Florida’s small but mighty trust industry is in a prime spot to capitalize on generational wealth transfer trends. A new, trailblazing entry into the space has big plans, too

Finance

By Brian Hartz
September 23, 2022

East coast bank continues to go big as it grows westward

Stuart-based Seacoast Bank has capped an aggressive period of Gulf Coast expansion with the appointment of veteran Florida banker Tom Lambert as its Tampa market president.