Bradford Vieira, Regional President & CEO, ServisFirst Bank

In an interview with Invest:, Bradford Vieira, regional president and CEO of ServisFirst Bank, discussed the bank’s strategic growth, regulatory impacts, and economic outlook for Tennessee. “The banking landscape is marked by uncertainty, but our focus remains on high-touch, relationship-based services,” he said. 

Reflecting on the past year, what have been the most significant milestones or achievements for ServisFirst Bank in Tennessee?

2024 was a great year for ServisFirst Bank and for the Tennessee region. The most significant milestone was expanding to a second location in Memphis. This expansion has gone extremely well, led by Joel Smith, who has done an outstanding job. The Memphis team now consists of 12 employees, bringing the total number of team members in the Tennessee region to 42.

Financially, the bank saw strong growth year-over-year. As of the end of March 2025, the Tennessee loan portfolio increased by 15%, deposits grew by 60%, and net income rose by 30%, year-over-year. 

How would you describe the banking and financial landscape in the region, and what key trends are shaping the industry?

The banking and financial landscape in Tennessee is marked by uncertainty, particularly regarding national economic factors. Tennessee is expected to outpace the national average for growth, but much depends on external influences, such as tariffs and their short-term versus long-term effects.

The Federal Reserve has adopted a reactive rather than proactive stance, waiting to see how economic policies unfold before making adjustments. This approach influences business decisions, as companies are advised against making knee-jerk reactions, such as large inventory purchases, until the economic outlook becomes clearer. Long term, Tennessee’s diverse economic base positions it to withstand economic downturns better than other regions while also outpacing national growth during favorable conditions.

With continued economic shifts, how is ServisFirst Bank adapting its lending and investment strategies to meet the needs of businesses in Tennessee?

ServisFirst Bank remains consistent in its approach. For 20 years, the bank has focused on providing high-touch, relationship-based commercial banking services. The strategy centers on reliability as we deliver on promises, maintain strong communication with clients, and ensure that services offered today remain available in the future. This consistency builds trust, and allows the bank to support businesses effectively regardless of broader economic fluctuations.

Interest rates have been a major concern for businesses. How have recent rate fluctuations impacted your clients, and how is the bank advising them?

Interest rate projections currently suggest a potential half-point decrease in 2025, but much depends on tariff implementations and their economic impact. Given the uncertainty, ServisFirst advises clients to plan as if rates will remain stable.

If rates decrease, it will be a positive development. If they rise, adjustments can be made accordingly. The key message to clients is to avoid drastic financial moves until the economic landscape becomes more predictable.

How do you see demand evolving for commercial banking services in the region, and are there particular industries or business sizes seeing the most need?

Tennessee remains a highly active and competitive banking market. The state’s growing economy means there are more businesses than banks can realistically serve. ServisFirst continues to focus on its core strength of high-service commercial banking, rather than targeting specific industries. The demand for banking services will naturally align with Tennessee’s economic growth, which is expected to exceed the national average.

The banking sector has faced increased competition from fintech firms. How is ServisFirst differentiating itself and leveraging technology to enhance services?

Fintech is not a major concern for ServisFirst due to our commercial banking focus. Most business owners prefer personal relationships over digital-only interactions. While fintech may impact consumer banking at larger institutions, ServisFirst’s high-touch, relationship-driven model remains a key differentiator. The bank’s approach is simple: fintech serves a different market segment, and ServisFirst continues to excel in areas where personal service matters most.

How has the definition of financial independence changed in recent years? 

Financial independence today means operating in a stable, diverse market with access to skilled talent and strong business networks. This can be seen in Nashville’s economic stability, which has strengthened significantly over the past 15 years as the number of businesses has tripled and even quadrupled due to diversification and an influx of talented professionals. The region, once dominated by music and healthcare, now thrives across multiple industries. This growth has created more financially resilient businesses, and made the overall economy more robust. 

How are regulations affecting your ability to lend, grow deposits, or support business clients?

The current administration is expected to ease banking regulations, including potential reductions in capital ratio requirements. While this shift is favorable for the industry, ServisFirst’s strong balance sheet and high capital liquidity ratios mean regulatory changes have minimal impact. Our disciplined approach ensures continued stability regardless of regulatory adjustments.

What strategies has ServisFirst implemented to help businesses navigate economic uncertainties and mitigate financial risks?

The primary strategy is consistency and frequent communication. ServisFirst advises clients to avoid major financial decisions amid uncertainty and maintain strong cash reserves. The bank emphasizes the principle that “cash is king,” encouraging businesses to prioritize liquidity and low leverage to weather economic fluctuations.

Are there particular financial products or services that have seen increased demand in the current economic climate?

ServisFirst’s business model has remained unchanged for 20 years: taking deposits, making loans, and providing high-quality online banking services. The demand is not for new products but for reliable, high-touch service that gives business owners confidence in their banking relationships.

What advice would you offer to business leaders seeking to strengthen their financial position in the face of ongoing economic volatility?

We advise business leaders to maintain strong cash reserves and avoid excessive leverage. ServisFirst encourages businesses to plan conservatively, assuming interest rates will remain stable. If conditions improve, they can capitalize on opportunities, but having liquidity ensures resilience during downturns.

Looking ahead, what are ServisFirst Bank’s top priorities and goals for the Tennessee market in the next two to three years?

The bank plans to continue growing by adding clients and talented bankers in Middle Tennessee and Memphis. Long-term expansion into markets like Chattanooga, Knoxville, or Louisville, Kentucky, is possible if the right leadership teams are found. ServisFirst grows organically by hiring strong local leaders who understand and embrace the bank’s service-focused culture.

Is ServisFirst Bank promoting any financial literacy programs, either from a user, client, or employee perspective?

ServisFirst actively supports nonprofits focused on financial education, including great organizations like Junior Achievement, the Pencil Foundation, Tennessee Voices for Children, Mercy Multiplied, and many more, all focused on providing education and community resources for children across Middle Tennessee. Our team is also involved with The Store at Belmont University, a nonprofit devoted to feeding families across the region and supports our leaders’ board service to various nonprofits across our community.