Arkansas
State Bank Department

Why I Choose to be a

State Chartered Bank

 

(updated April 13, 2006)

TESTIMONIAL OF

BOB BURNS, CHAIRMAN/CEO/PRESIDENT

FARMERS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, MAGNOLIA, ARKANSAS

 

          State supervision under the Arkansas Bank Department has been an outstanding choice for our bank.  The Department, because of its local focus and flexibility, allows our bank to serve our market in ways that are more difficult for federal banking regulators.  State regulators are more concentrated in one geographical area and closer to our markets and customers than are federal regulators.

          The choice of regulators seems to foster a more competitive spirit between federal and state banking regulators.

          We have always found state examiner's to be well trained and knowledgeable in fulfilling all safety and soundness responsibilities.

 

 

TESTIMONIAL OF

ROBERT F. BIRCH, JR., CEO/PRESIDENT

TWIN CITY BANK, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

          Twin City Bank has always been an advocate of the dual banking system.  Having a state charter was our only thought when we started again in 2000.  Working closely with the Bank Department staff, for guidance and direction, has always been of value to our management team and Board of Directors.

 

 

TESTIMONIAL OF

J. STEPHEN CAMERON, CEO

FIRST FINANCIAL BANK, EL DORADO, ARKANSAS

First Financial Bank converted to a state bank charter from a thrift charter in 2000.  We have found the Arkansas State Bank Department to be professional and courteous while fulfilling their regulatory mission, consistent from year to year, and responsive to questions or concerns.  We have been pleased with our decision to become an Arkansas State Bank.

 

 

TESTIMONIAL OF

JIM C. WALTON, PRESIDENT

ARVEST BANK, FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS

          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.

 

 

TESTIMONIAL OF

DAVID BARTLETT, CEO/PRESIDENT

SIMMONS FIRST BANK OF HOT SPRINGS, HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

          In October 1996 a group of individuals in Hot Springs began to discuss the possibility of forming a new bank.  The decision to file for a State Charter was made extremely easy due to the excellent cooperation provided by the Department.  From beginning the Charter process to opening the bank, the State Bank Department has been a “partner” in assisting with the development of sound business policies and procedures.

          Having the firsthand knowledge of the State of Arkansas’ economic strengths and weaknesses has made the Department a stronger advisor in examination recommendations and comments.  The State Bank Department makes decisions that impact Arkansas banks with people that live in Arkansas!  With the continual consolidation of out-of-state banks making decisions in other parts of the United States, local regulatory control has given state chartered banks a competitive advantage in Arkansas.

 

 

TESTIMONY OF

Wallace W. Fowler, Chairman/CEO

LIBERTY BANK OF ARKANSAS, Jonesboro, Arkansas

          Over the past 20 years of banking I have been associated with several national bank acquisitions in the state of Arkansas.  In every instance our first action following acquisition was to convert the bank to a state charter.  While the Arkansas State Bank Department certainly fulfills their roll as regulator, we consider the department to also be a friend and partner in our success.

 

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