Finance

By Business Observer Staff
May 12, 2022

Michigan credit union to acquire Tampa-based bank

First Citrus Bank will become part of DFCU Financial, which has $6.4 billion in assets and is entering the Florida market for the first time.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Amanda Postma
April 22, 2022

Community banks feel pinch of shifting industry

Several community banks in the region are looking to find opportunity amid a heavy amount of challenges, leading with the industry’s rapid digital shifts.

Finance

By Brian Hartz
April 21, 2022

Banker's ascension a sign of local market's importance

Recently promoted to head of commercial banking at Valley Bank, veteran Tampa Bay banker Joe Chillura embraces the challenges of a post-COVID economy.

Finance

By Mark Gordon
April 19, 2022

Prominent Sarasota area banker announces retirement

From battling a recession to chasing the next deal to mentoring tomorrow’s banking leaders, Shaun Merriman packed a lot into 37 years.

Finance

By Brian Hartz
April 7, 2022

Next-gen accountants forge new identity for merged firm

St. Petersburg, Florida-based accounting firm Spoor Bunch Franz offers a unique spin on the family business culture.

Strategies

By Business Observer Staff
April 6, 2022

First Horizon Bank, on heels of acquisition, names new local market leader

Jim Donatelli has joined First Horizon Bank, which recently acquired IberiaBank, as Tampa Bay market president.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Business Observer Staff
April 6, 2022

Northeast bank with strong local ties acquires Israeli bank

Valley Bank has completed its purchase of Bank Leumi USA for $113 million.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Business Observer Staff
April 1, 2022

Raymond James to acquire New Jersey firm

Jersey City, N.J.-based SumRidge Partners has agreed to be acquired by Raymond James and will be part of the St. Petersburg, Florida, firm's fixed income capital markets division.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Brian Hartz
February 24, 2022

Rent a center: Building owner has a 'suite' solution for vacant space

Dunedin, Florida-based Achieva Credit Union, previously the sole occupant of its corporate headquarters, has opened up its office to new tenants.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Business Observer Staff
February 7, 2022

Tampa bank to expand to Manatee County

The Bank of Tampa has announced plans to expand to Manatee County in fall 2022.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Mark Gordon
December 16, 2021

Area TikTok financial advice star builds massive audience

Spirited young financial entrepreneur whips the world’s biggest banks in getting out in front of a highly sought-after demographic.

Finance

By Brian Hartz
December 16, 2021

Strong roots: Credit union exec overcomes steep obstacles

Rocio Smith, Achieva Credit Union’s new market vice president, started her working life as a migrant farmworker. That memory is motivation — and lessons for other executives.

Finance

By Brian Hartz
December 16, 2021

Home base: With focus on local lending, community bank raises its profile

With consolidation continuing to roil Florida’s banking sector, St. Petersburg, Florida-based First Home Bank stays true to its core values — while making aggressive moves to grow and expand.