The Houston market is a key focus for PlainsCapital Bank’s growth strategy. “Houston is a key growth market for PlainsCapital Bank in 2025, and you couldn’t pick a better market,” said Danny Schroder, bank chairman for the Greater Houston region. In an interview with Invest: Houston, Schroder also provided an overview of the banking landscape in the region as well as challenges facing the sector.

What were the most significant changes, milestones, or highlights for PlainsCapital Bank in Houston over the last year?

The main highlight for us was the addition of four bankers who joined us. We were able to bring a full team on board, and they have just been a terrific addition to PlainsCapital Bank. We look forward to big things out of them in 2025. That was the most exciting thing that we did.

We also saw growth specifically in the real estate market. We did several multifamily transactions, and real estate continues to be a focus for PlainsCapital Bank. We think real estate is going to continue to be a focus for the bank. In addition, we did see some nice business from the commercial and industrial space. 

What makes Houston an ideal location for PlainsCapital? 

Houston is a key growth market for PlainsCapital Bank in 2025. We are focused on expanding in all of the areas we serve, but Houston offers the greatest opportunity for growth. And you couldn’t pick a better market. We continue to see significant net migration into Houston from other parts of the country, and that is certainly going to spur real estate development and growth in that sector. Houston is also in a lot of old economy businesses, such as manufacturing around the oil and gas sector and the activity up and down the Port of Houston. There is a neat and interesting mix of old economy businesses and growth in real estate and all the attendant businesses that surround that. When you layer on top of that the medical center, it’s just a dynamic place to do business. We think this is our No. 1 growth market.

What is your overview of the banking and financial services industry within the Greater Houston region?

We’re probably going to see a continuation of the trends of the last couple of years. There are going to be more banks and financial institutions wanting to enter the Houston market, and that trend has been going on for a while. There will be competition for everybody here. But the growth factors that have propelled us over the last three or four years are going to continue. There are also some interesting things happening in the world of technology, specifically AI and the technology that’s evolving around that. Houston does have some interesting and significant players in those spaces. That’s a hidden little gem that I think we’ll be hearing more about in 2025.

What is behind the small-business loan program for Houston and the Rio Grande Valley?

That is a program called Momentum Express, which is designed for small businesses to quickly access capital for growth needs like equipment and working capital. While Houston and the Rio Grande Valley were the initial markets where we rolled out this program, it is now available to all of our markets statewide. It has been well received, and the application through the funding process is quick. Overall, the program has exceeded our expectations. For businesses that may only need a small amount of working capital or may want to add some equipment, perhaps another truck, it has been a great solution. 

In addition to just the standard commercial and industrial lending that we do for small businesses, we do have a terrific SBA capability and an SBA team. That is geared toward smaller businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups. We’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth in that area. That will likely continue, based on the growth in Houston in general.

What are the challenges facing the banking industry in the Greater Houston region?

We’ll always be keeping an eye on the price of oil and gas. We are still a significant energy city in the country. That’s going to have an impact on us. It doesn’t have the impact it did 20 or 30 years ago, but we do want to keep an eye on the health of the oil and gas industry. Interest rates are also going to play a factor in decisions that businesses will be making. So, the stability, or hopefully the continued cuts, in interest rates will have an impact as well.

What is the bank’s strategy for lending activity and maintaining financial sustainability?

PlainsCapital Bank is a strong bank, if not the strongest bank, from a capital-to-asset standpoint. Our peer-leading capital ratios and ample liquidity give us a competitive edge and enable us to take care of our customers’ needs throughout evolving market conditions. That strength has also given us the ability to bring on additional lenders. We have a solid, good-sized team that can get out there and bring in new business, service our existing clients, and grow the Houston market.

How is the bank attracting and retaining clients?

PlainsCapital Bank is headquartered in Dallas. Even though it’s publicly traded, we do have a large shareholder family, and it is run like a small community bank. It’s personal, high-touch, and relationship-oriented, with a stable leadership base. Our president has been with the bank for well over 30 years. Our chief credit officer has been with the bank for well over 30 years. We’ve got a lot of stability at the top of the organization. When you have that, it gives you the confidence to go out and favorably present the bank to clients and prospects. Then we have an interesting part of the bank called Premier Services, which is a high-touch, concierge-type of banking that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s a real differentiator for us.

How does the bank demonstrate its commitment to local businesses and the community?

We encourage all our bankers to get involved in charitable organizations that are important or of interest to them. We are supportive of several private education institutions as well as charities in and around the medical field. We are also members of the Greater Houston Partnership, the organizations around the Port, and the numerous chambers of commerce that circle the city. 

All our bankers understand the importance of being engaged with the community and giving back. This is not a 9-5 job. It is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week job. When you leave the bank, you still have a responsibility to be engaged in your community and give back. We encourage all our bankers to do so.

What is your outlook for PlainsCapital in Houston for the next two to three years?

Houston, as mentioned earlier, is a key growth market for PlainsCapital Bank. We are going to be aggressive in the marketplace. We will be fully engaged across numerous industries in the area, looking to service our existing clients at a high level and then bring in new clients as the opportunities present themselves. We are going to be fully focused on growing the Houston region in 2025, and we are excited about that.

In an interview with Invest:, Rodney Nabors, president of Agility Bank, discussed the institution’s community banking approach. “We’re a Houston bank, owned by Houstonians,” Nabors said. “Our deposits stay here and are reinvested in our community.”

What have been some key accomplishments for the bank in Houston over the past year?

2024 marked a pivotal transition year for Agility Bank. As a de novo institution, we experienced the type of accelerated growth typical of the early stages, with total assets increasing by 35% — a $27 million rise that brought us to $104 million by year-end. This strong performance reflects both the natural progression of a new bank and our strategic efforts to establish a solid foundation in the Houston market.

Looking ahead, we anticipate another year of significant growth in 2025, with a target of $160 million in total assets. While our growth trajectory may exceed that of more established institutions, it is a direct result of our early-stage momentum and commitment to thoughtful expansion in a dynamic and diverse market.

What makes Houston an ideal location for your bank, and how does it support your members and growth strategy?

Houston’s diversity presents a unique opportunity for our bank. We can serve a wide range of clients, from the east side of Houston — characterized by a distinct demographic and business environment — to the Clear Lake market, which operates under a different dynamic. This diversity requires our bankers to be versatile, adaptable, and skilled communicators across a variety of client needs and cultural contexts.

As a young and nimble institution, Agility Bank has carved out a niche by emphasizing personalized service and community engagement. Our relationship bankers are deeply embedded in the communities we serve, building trust through consistent outreach and support. While larger banks often prioritize high-value transactions to drive scale, we are committed to serving clients with financing needs ranging from $50,000 to $5 million — delivering value where it matters most to small and mid-sized businesses.

What’s your view on the current state of Houston’s banking and financial services industry?

The entry of out-of-state banks into the Houston market underscores the city’s economic vitality and growth potential. These institutions recognize the opportunities here and are eager to participate. While their presence increases competition, we view it through a different lens.

At Agility Bank, we’ve been part of Houston from the beginning. We are locally owned and deeply rooted in the community. Our deposits remain in Houston and are reinvested to support the local economy. We take pride in operating within a dynamic market that continues to attract both people and businesses.

Rather than being distracted by outside noise or short-term market disruptions, we remain focused on our core strengths. While some larger banks may pursue business through aggressive pricing, we believe in earning our clients’ trust by delivering lasting value, fostering relationships, and helping companies grow.

Could you share if there have been any shifts in the sectors seeking your support, or new areas of opportunity you foresee?

We remain committed to the same strategic focus that guided us last year — an approach that reflects the core values of community banking. While there are certainly opportunities in other sectors, we continue to concentrate on what we do best: serving small to mid-sized businesses that value personalized relationships, direct access to local decision-makers, and the ability to call their banker — not a call center.

We are always open to building new relationships and welcome businesses that seek a more connected and responsive banking experience. While we strive to maintain a balanced and diversified portfolio, we are not rigidly industry specific. We evaluate each opportunity on its merits and aim for mutual alignment. If a partnership isn’t the right fit for either side, we’re comfortable with that.

Ultimately, our goal is to work with businesses and individuals who share our commitment to supporting Houston’s economy by keeping capital local and reinvesting in the communities we serve.

With the new administration and ongoing uncertainty around tariffs, how are you advising your clients to stay agile and focused during these transitions?

We operate in an increasingly dynamic environment, where each day presents new challenges and opportunities. The most accurate insight into current conditions comes directly from our clients. Through active listening and ongoing dialogue, we gain a clear understanding of their evolving needs — enabling us to offer timely, tailored solutions and maintain contact on a cadence that works best for them.

This consistent communication allows us to identify emerging trends early. While uncertainties such as tariff fluctuations may temporarily impact activity, the underlying demand among businesses remains strong. What many clients seek now is greater economic clarity.

By staying closely connected, we’re able to provide real-time insights that go beyond headline news — offering our clients meaningful, on-the-ground perspectives. These two-way conversations foster a collaborative environment where we grow together and navigate change with confidence.

What’s your take on the current labor pool in banking and finance?

I began my banking career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a time when Texas was home to a vibrant network of strong community banks and a well-established pipeline for developing banking talent. Since then, we’ve witnessed a significant decline in both the number of community banks and the depth of the talent pool entering the industry.

At our bank, we are committed to reversing that trend by attracting top talent and investing in the next generation of bankers. One of the ways we do this is through immersive summer internship programs that offer students a comprehensive view of community banking — from deposits and lending to credit operations and client engagement. Unlike larger institutions, where internships often involve narrow, segmented roles, we provide meaningful, hands-on experiences.

For example, a finance major from the University of Arkansas who interned with us last year shared how eye-opening it was to be directly involved in both day-to-day banking activities and community initiatives. Programs like these not only help students build practical skills but also highlight the unique value of community banking as a fulfilling career path with real, local impact.

Could you share how Agility Bank is giving back to the community beyond your core financial services?

Our bankers are deeply engaged in the communities we serve, particularly in underserved areas such as East Houston. Through active participation in chamber events and local gatherings, they not only represent Agility Bank but also advocate for local initiatives that strengthen these communities. The insights gained from these engagements allow us to connect our clients with impactful nonprofit organizations and programs that align with their values — creating opportunities for meaningful involvement beyond traditional banking relationships.

We take pride in fostering connections among like-minded individuals and organizations, helping to build partnerships that drive positive, lasting change.

As a women-owned and women-led institution, Agility Bank is guided by the leadership of Chairwoman Edna Meyer-Nelson and a majority-female board. We are growing with a clear purpose and vision, with a strong commitment to supporting women- and minority-owned businesses that have historically faced challenges in accessing capital through traditional channels.

Our approach goes beyond inclusion — it’s about genuine partnership. Our clients aren’t treated as just account numbers; they are valued relationships built on trust, transparency, and mutual success. While we’re proud of our designation as a Minority Depository Institution (MDI), we serve as a full-service commercial bank, dedicated to delivering personalized, relationship-driven service to all clients.

What is your outlook for Agility Bank’s growth in Houston over the next few years, and what are your top priorities moving forward?

At Agility Bank, our highest priority is remaining true to our identity as a women-owned, women-led institution committed to creating meaningful impact for everyone we serve. As we look toward 2025 and beyond, our focus remains on strategically expanding our presence across Houston and attracting the top talent needed to support our continued growth.

It’s important to recognize that while large national banks control 60–70% of local deposits, they seldom disclose how much of that capital is reinvested into the Houston community. At Agility Bank, we take a different approach — one rooted in transparency and local commitment. We consistently remind our clients that their deposits stay here, fueling growth for Houston businesses and supporting the broader community.

In contrast, funds placed with national institutions are often redirected to out-of-state markets like New York or California. Our message is clear: we are rooted in Houston, committed to its future, and dedicated to making a lasting impact — right here at home.

In an interview with Invest: Houston, Taylor Ducoff, former executive vice president of corporate banking in Texas at Cadence Bank, highlighted the bank’s growth strategy and Houston’s economic opportunities. “Our Texas markets hold the largest portion of our bank’s C&I loan portfolio,” he noted, emphasizing the region’s importance. Ducoff also discussed how technology and talent retention drive Cadence’s relationship-focused approach. The conversation covered acquisitions, economic trends, and client-centric innovation.

What significant changes over the past year have impacted Cadence Bank’s commercial banking operations in Houston?

Anytime we have a presidential change in the country, there are both long- and short-term economic impacts. Those impacts can cause delays in business activity, particularly on the acquisition front. We’ve seen some changes, and people are being cautious.  

Interest rates also stabilized in the middle of last year and began to come down. That is good for us because when interest rates go up fast, people get nervous. They aren’t sure if they want to borrow. Banking investors also get nervous about credit quality throughout the industry. Therefore, when interest rates stabilize or begin to decline, it is positive for the banking community. 

Given your recent bank acquisitions in the Southeast, how are these moves strengthening your competitive position?

Cadence is well-positioned in the Southeast, in nine states from Texas to Florida. We jokingly call it the “SEC footprint.” 

On May 1, we completed a merger in Savannah with FBC Financial Corp, the parent of First Chatham Bank. It helps us grow our Georgia market along the coast. 

On July 1, 2025, Cadence Bank completed its acquisition of Industry Bancshares.  It expands our presence in the Texas market and closes some geographical gaps for branch locations in the south-central part of the state. Expanding our physical presence by adding branches is good for us. People do most business now online, and we bank with companies nationally. However, some customers like to know there is a branch that’s not far away.

For the corporate bank, we have been working in Houston for over 14 years. We have built on the solid legacy of our branch banking relationships and our reputation as a customer-friendly, relationship-focused institution. 

The Southeast U.S. is a great place to be in terms of the economy, a growing population with a talented workforce, and plentiful banking opportunities. We think Texas is the leader in that, and it is the lion’s share of our corporate banking. It will continue to be that way. Our growth opportunities are enormous. We’re fortunate to be in Houston and Texas, more broadly.

What makes Houston an ideal location for Cadence, and where do you see its biggest strengths and opportunities?

Our bankers do a good job of living out Cadence’s vision of helping people, companies, and communities prosper. People do business with people they like. The number one way we do that is by having bankers focused on building relationships, getting to know clients and their families, understanding their business and what drives them, and what their goals are. With that intelligence, we can be responsive and proactive by coming to them with opportunities like new technologies or things like fraud prevention tools. We work with a variety of companies in an array of market sectors and share the best practices we come across with clients to help them improve and grow their businesses.  

What new tools are most in demand right now, and where are you seeing the greatest need?

From a product perspective, our Treasury Management solutions are in demand. They are important in corporate banking, but some solutions could be useful for any company, no matter its size. The more efficiently you receive payments and collections, apply payments to debt, and move money into interest-bearing accounts, the better it will be for you long term. 

We have good interest rates on our CDs and money markets, good products to move cash efficiently, and a nice online platform. Our Treasury Management team works to make those platforms better every day. 

Fraud protection is the number one thing we talk to both consumer and corporate clients about. We have dozens of tools, and not utilizing them opens you up to potential liability and costs.  We discuss products and best practices, and these conversations are well-received as cyber fraud continues to grow at a rapid pace. We want to be on the leading edge of helping customers stop fraud.

How is Cadence using AI and innovation to improve efficiency for bankers and enhance client service?

On the AI front, we’re still evaluating the technology. It’s something every institution has to look at and see if it makes sense. We view technology broadly, including machine learning and AI. Our technology team looks at every facet of what we’re doing.  

We think about the experiences customers have with our online platforms, mobile app, and after-hours banking offered through Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs). Technology also plays a critical role in fraud prevention. We’re always looking for additional products and services to make clients’ lives easier.

How do you find Houston’s talent pool for attracting and retaining top bankers to build strong client relationships?

When we think about differentiators, an important one is the Cadence brand, which has been active in Houston for 14 years. One of our predecessor banks was founded here. Our Houston corporate banking team has largely remained unchanged in those 14 years, and that stability gives us an edge 

New bankers are trained in-house through our analyst training program. Students come from campus into our training program and learn what we do in corporate banking across our footprint. The Cadence culture lets them learn from experienced bankers, see how we take care of customers, and value service. The brand’s consistency comes, in part, from not hiring many bankers with different training backgrounds and having low turnover. Company representatives often ask our bankers how long they have been at Cadence; most have been here their entire career or a decade-plus. That kind of tenure is well-received, and we take a lot of pride in it. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add or highlight that we haven’t covered?

Because we’re located in the Southeast, our corporate bank looks to do business with local private businesses. We also support private equity groups that are involved in small business projects. Nearly half of our clients are private-equity-backed entities versus private and family-owned businesses.  

Cadence is also committed to the markets and businesses we serve in the lower middle market. We’ve invested in 85 SBICs (Small Business Investment Companies) with our own capital and then work to partner with them on the lending front for their portfolios. We call on those companies because their target customers are the same as ours. 

In all, Cadence has an exceptional group of people working to live our bank’s mission and values. If we keep doing that, success will come. I’m proud to work here. 

Wellby Financial President and CEO Marty Pell spoke with Invest: about the methods by which the credit union has achieved excellent financial health and how it is prioritizing technological innovation as well as investment in workforce development to ensure its continued success.

What strategies have been pivotal in setting Wellby Financial apart, and how do you plan to build on your current momentum?

Our mission is to help people prosper – everyone is on a financial journey, and we want to be a positive force that helps them progress. We focus on finding ways to add value for our members by offering great products that reward savings. One example of this can be found through our high-yield checking account, which offers members 4.50% APY and a way to build financial resilience. Our efforts are being recognized nationally by the press. As a credit union, we pay out significantly higher dividends than our national peer group while charging fewer fees. This value proposition is noticed and appreciated by the marketplace. This is centered around our philosophy of helping people prosper and progress on their financial journey. Wellby is also active in home lending, and we were recognized last year as having the third-highest mortgage growth among credit unions in the country. Our first-time homebuyer program has been particularly successful, and we have a long-term goal of helping 10,000 families achieve homeownership. To do so, we continue to evolve our mortgage lending offerings to ensure we have home lending solutions for every member. 

Could you provide an overview of the banking and financial services industry in Houston?

Houston’s economic diversity positions it as a resilient and high-growth market. The Federal Reserve noted that Houston and Fort Worth have had the highest population growth in the state among large MSAs, and there is a lot to be excited about in terms of the local economy; however, the financial services industry continues to navigate challenges due to a flat or inverted yield curve, which makes traditional banking models more difficult. This environment puts profitability under pressure. 

Changes in the regulatory landscape under the new administration appear favorable for the industry through potential deregulation. There has been some asset quality deterioration in the industry, but I believe this creates a scenario where consolidation could be attractive. Wellby Financial positions itself as a strong potential consolidator due to excellent financial health. We are optimistic about Houston and Texas, despite ongoing industry recovery.

Are there any specific products you are seeing as the main drivers for Wellby’s continued growth?

Members who engage with Wellby Financial services can double their savings rate to nearly 4% APY. This initiative has been highly successful in rewarding highly engaged members. We also launched a high-yield checking account last year that offers up to 4.50% APY interest, along with credit monitoring, cellphone insurance, and other benefits — with no fees. Lending remains challenging due to economic conditions, but our homebuyer and home equity programs have seen strong performance.

How do you assess the labor pool, and are there any initiatives in place to further develop the workforce?

The labor market has stabilized after the post-pandemic turnover surge. The Federal Reserve noted the job openings-to-seekers ratio has moved from 2:1 in 2022 to 1:1 today, indicating a balanced labor market. As part of addressing this issue, Wellby Financial’s internship program with the University of Houston-Clear Lake has proven highly successful, attracting applicants from across the state. Many interns receive full-time offers if their career paths align.

We also spearheaded a new internal initiative called the Wellby Academy, which allows employees to customize their learning and development paths by focusing on leadership, business skills, and industry expertise. Excitement and engagement from employees are strong. Houston’s strong talent pool gives Wellby a competitive edge.

How are you leveraging technological innovations to improve your clients’ experiences and to create efficiencies for your teams?

AI’s potential is endless for the financial industry. We utilize AI in marketing to help us refine how we approach members with products and services, and we have also implemented AI in our cybersecurity efforts to embolden and strengthen fraud detection and prevention.

Wellby Financial also partners with an AI-driven underwriting firm that provides a better risk assessment than traditional credit scores. For example, a long-time member was recently denied a loan elsewhere due to credit challenges. They turned to Wellby Financial, where our AI-driven underwriting model allowed us to approve the loan. The funds provided meaningful financial support, enabling a life-changing adoption opportunity. This is just one example of how technology empowers us to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Can you share a few details about how Wellby is involved in the local community?

We have been selected as the official credit union of the Houston Rockets, which has helped to expand our brand visibility and reach Houstonians across the city. In terms of grassroots community development, we conducted 215-plus financial education workshops last year, all of which helped individuals build financial literacy. We also helped fund and build a home through Habitat for Humanity, with over 100 employees contributing volunteer hours for this cause. We have also received recognition from local nonprofits for supporting domestic violence survivors and helping them rebuild financially. We continue to invest in and support the Space Community and STEM initiatives as we remain strongly connected to our legacy. Wellby has a strong commitment to grassroots community initiatives, including highway clean-ups, chamber events and nonprofit partnerships.

What is your long-term vision for Wellby Financial?

Wellby is in a position of financial strength, with excellent capital and liquidity. Headwinds remain, such as yield curve challenges and regulatory shifts, but the focus is on stability, soundness, and strategic growth. While some growth opportunities may be postponed in the interest of stability, Wellby sees partnership and consolidation opportunities in the near future. Our long-term goals remain unchanged. We will continue helping members achieve homeownership, encouraging financial wellness and savings, and helping to be a trusted community partner. Wellby is well-positioned for leadership in the Houston financial sector and remains committed to its mission of helping people prosper.

In an interview with Invest:, Market President Dave Stevenson of Amegy Bank-Houston highlighted strong core loan growth, driven by the region’s thriving industrial, energy, and healthcare sectors. He emphasized the bank’s focus on core deposit growth, digital innovation, and personalized support for small businesses as key strategies for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

How has Amegy Bank performed over the past year, and what does that say about the industry?

Amegy Bank continues to have strong core loan growth, especially in our Commercial and Industrial (C&I) markets. A steady demand for industrial space has fueled ongoing investments in large-scale projects industry-wide. Houston remains a vibrant and actively growing market, thanks to factors such as the Port of Houston, a strong manufacturing and distribution base, the energy and healthcare sectors, and geographic growth, all propelling the region’s strong economic performance. The Port of Houston is the largest port in the U.S. for waterborne tonnage, handling nearly 300 million tons of cargo annually, while Houston’s energy sector encompasses both traditional oil and gas and the transition to renewable energy. The city’s population continues to grow, attracting businesses and talent from across the country and beyond. This demographic expansion supports a diverse and dynamic economy, creating opportunities for numerous sectors ranging from real estate to healthcare and technology.

What industry trends are shaping your strategy?

As interest rates have climbed and held at a more traditional level, all banks and their customers have been adjusting to the increases in both the loan rates they repay and the earnings from deposits that, for many years, yielded no return at all. Because of this “new normal,” banks are regaining their balance in how they acclimate to the changing rate environment. Core deposit growth remains a top priority; our stable and growing deposit base is a driver of our ability to grow our entire bank, and we remain focused on adding new customers to our bank. Additionally, we are leveraging technology to enhance our customer experience and streamline operations. Digital banking solutions are becoming increasingly important, and we have invested in innovative platforms to meet the evolving needs of our clients. 

What challenges does Amegy Bank face, and how are you navigating them?

Our industry faces significant competition from various sources, including traditional banking competitors, private credit funds, institutional capital providers, and fintech companies. There is heightened competition for the core deposit and loan customers in the traditional banking system. Since Amegy Bank’s founding in the late 1980s, we have consistently focused on supporting local businesses and their owners, employees, and families, helping them grow and prosper. This commitment remains at the core of our strategy as we navigate these challenges and seek new opportunities.

How is Amegy Bank supporting small businesses?

Small businesses have always been the driving force behind our growth in Houston. The local economy offers abundant opportunities for new businesses to start and thrive. We invest in people and resources to support these businesses through SBA Loan programs, treasury services, and capital markets backed by online access and service. Our local bankers are readily available for personalized engagement and assistance, and our high-quality banking centers are staffed by experienced bankers who are accessible without an appointment. You can meet with them in person every day to receive guidance and support. We believe this approach is fundamental to building a great banking partnership.

What’s your outlook for the year ahead?

Whether in the traditional areas of Small Business, Commercial and Commercial Real Estate or specialty areas like Energy, Port/Marine, Healthcare, we see great opportunity to expand the bank by helping our customers grow.