Why I Choose to be a State Chartered Bank

“In 2018, Armor Bank decided that becoming a state-chartered bank strategically aligned with our goal of growing into a statewide community-focused banking institution. The decision was primarily based on the thought that we could benefit from the synergy and feedback that would come from dealing with regulators that understand the unique opportunities specific to Arkansas, and this has certainly rung true. We have also benefitted greatly from our regulatory partners who have provided guidance, feedback and best practices in an effort to support the continued sound growth of our banking franchise. Regulators have a job to do, and the way that they choose to accomplish this while partnering with our bank has exceeded our expectations for a regulatory relationship.”

Chad May
President / CEO
Armor Bank

“It was apparent to us at Simmons Bank that as we continued to grow, we needed a regulatory partner that was as much of an advisor as a regulator in its strictest form. We have developed two-way communication that is as much prospective as it is retrospective. Since converting to a state-chartered bank in 2016, we have grown past the $10 billion asset mark which requires an elevated risk management program. The stability, knowledge, and professionalism of the staff at the Arkansas Bank Department has played a major role in guiding us successfully past that magic threshold. We appreciate the local access to resources, and value the partnership we have with the department.”

George Makris
Chairman / CEO / President
Simmons Bank

“Our experience over the years has shown that a state bank charter has proven to be a cost-effective banking structure with powers to conduct business that allow us to compete. As a state-member bank we have benefited from the experience and insights of both the state and federal bank supervisors who provide complementary perspectives of our business.”

Jim C. Walton
Chairman
Arvest Bank

“The relationship between the Arkansas State Bank Department and Generations Bank has been critical to the success and viability of our institution. The guidance we receive from the Bank Department and the relationships we have with their staff has helped us navigate the ever-changing regulatory road map that we travel as an industry. As banking continues to transform through consolidation and advances in technology, it is critical that regulatory guidance maintain pace. The ASBD has evolved along with the industry and we look forward to this continued beneficial relationship.”

Jon Harrell
Chairman / CEO
Generations Bank

“The relationship that we share with the Arkansas State Bank Department has been a major factor in the long-term viability and success of First Arkansas Bank & Trust. The Department’s focus on our state, and only our state, contributes significantly to that relationship and separates them from the federal regulators whose focus is more regional and national in scope. Their staff knows the importance of community banks to the Arkansas economy and takes a proactive approach in assisting banks in their growth. They try to find ways to say “yes” instead of looking for reasons to say “no”. How we operate as a community bank has certainly changed over the last 70 years and the State Bank Department has evolved in their supervision of the state’s banks during that time. We look upon the Arkansas State Bank Department as a trusted partner and resource. Both the Bank Department and our bank have the same goal…a safe and sound bank which seeks to grow the economies of the markets in which we operate.”

Larry Wilson
Chairman / President / CEO
First Arkansas Bank & Trust