Jonesboro, Marion, and West Memphis branches increase number of Southern Bancorp locations to 56 across Arkansas and Mississippi
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – Southern Bancorp, Inc., a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and holding company for Southern Bancorp Bank, today announced the successful conversion of FCB Financial Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Premier Bank of Arkansas. The Jonesboro, Marion, and West Memphis branches now operate as Southern Bancorp as of February 21, 2023.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome Premier Bank’s team and customers to the Southern Bancorp brand,” said Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc. “We have a long history of creating economic opportunities in our communities, no matter one’s starting point or financial history. Adding three new branches in three new markets means more people will now have access to our unique, mission-focused brand of banking.”
Southern Bancorp and Premier Bank announced the acquisition agreement in January 2022 and which was finalized through board and regulatory approvals in June 2022. Since then, both parties have been working to ensure a smooth transition for Premier Bank’s existing staff and customers, with important ongoing information available at www.banksouthern.com/premier.
“For two decades, Premier Bank has worked to serve and support the financial growth of our communities, and this move represents a progression of that purpose,” said Donny Underwood, former Premier Bank CEO who now serves as a Division President at Southern Bancorp, a position in which he will continue to manage the former Premier Bank markets. “Joining the mission-focused approach of Southern Bancorp not only aligns with our values but also allows us to expand our services to reach even more people in our communities who would benefit from increased access to capital and financial development.”
As one of America’s oldest and largest community development banks, Southern Bancorp blends traditional banking products with a slate of financial development services beyond the typical banking mold. From free tax preparation to credit building and savings plans to homebuyer counseling, Southern Bancorp’s model ensures that everyone in the community has access to the tools and resources needed to build wealth.
Southern Bancorp’s unique structure supports its ability to balance margin and mission effectively while also expanding that mission to new markets. The organization consists of three separate CDFIs working together, including Southern Bancorp, Inc., a bank holding company; Southern Bancorp Bank, a community development bank; and Southern Bancorp Community Partners, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit loan fund. Southern Bancorp’s customers and communities are served by all three certified CDFIs, which together provide the full scope of access, support, and resources.
With the addition of the Jonesboro, Marion, and West Memphis locations, as well as recent additions in Canton, Miss., and Little Rock, Ark., Southern Bancorp now operates 56 locations across Arkansas and Mississippi.
About Southern Bancorp
Founded in 1986 by some of the nation’s leading political, business, and philanthropic leaders with an initial investment of $10 million, Southern Bancorp, Inc., along with its development partners – Southern Bancorp Bank and Southern Bancorp Community Partners – has grown into a $2.6 billion asset organization with 56 locations serving 65,000 customers across two states. Southern Bancorp has a unique array of financial products and services designed to help individuals at all stages of life’s financial journey – from teaching kids how to save to helping entrepreneurs and families realize the American Dream. Southern Bancorp is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, certified B-Corp, and proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values. Learn more at www.BankSouthern.com and www.SouthernPartners.org.