Arkansas Banking: FNBC Crosses $1 Billion Mark

FNBC Bancorp closed its acquisition of RiverWind Bancshares and RiverWind Bank on Friday, October 30. The transaction pushes the bank's total assets to approximately $1 billion. This move extends FNBC's community banking operations into central Arkansas.

RiverWind Bank currently serves customers through four locations in Augusta, Searcy, and Beebe. Those branches will continue operating under the RiverWind name and using existing banking systems until mid-May 2027. FNBC opened a new Searcy branch on Monday, November 2, to serve both customer bases. Rees Jones, Community President, leads that new office.

Chad Hudson, CEO and President of FNBC, said the merger brings two organizations with shared values together. Hudson noted that strong community banks start with people who know their customers. He added that the company is proud to welcome RiverWind employees and customers.

RiverWind customers should keep using their current accounts, debit cards, checks, and digital banking services as usual. The bank will send details about any required steps well before the system conversion in May. The other three RiverWind offices will continue serving existing customers but will not process FNBC accounts until the merger is complete.

Hudson stated that the legal closing is an important milestone. He explained that the months ahead allow teams to prepare for combining banking systems. The company aims to keep customers informed and comfortable throughout the process.