The Mississippi company reported strong loan growth, even as it reduced exposure to energy-related borrowers. Higher revenue also helped Hancock lower its efficiency ratio.
Increased investor appetite and the emergence of specialized debt ratings are expected to spur demand, and community banks are looking for ways to fund expansion and hedge against future economic downturns.
With the move, the Mississippi bank would no longer be regulated by the Federal Reserve. The decision comes after the bank struggled with Bank Secrecy Act and Community Reinvestment Act compliance.
The Mississippi company reported higher quarterly earnings despite ongoing energy challenges. Hancock also benefited from its April purchase of the failed First NBC Bank.
The Mississippi company's first-quarter earnings rose 60% from a year earlier. Its results from last year were weighed down by a settlement with regulators.
