Tom Lopp abruptly suspended a program that accounted for 83% of Sterling Bancorp's mortgage production this year. An ongoing audit of the program and pressure to diversify beyond mortgages are reasons to watch Lopp and Sterling in 2020.
Spirit of Texas Bancshares is acquiring four branches and a loan production office from Simmons First National Corp. as part of an aggressive expansion in its home state.
Paul Murphy took full responsibility for a recent spike in charge-offs at the Houston company. His challenge in 2020 is keeping credit issues in check.
The community bank lobby has said the recent deals are another reason to rein in the credit union sector. Some House members are beginning to take notice.
