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Source: Luxiere
Summary
Luxiere interviewed three Oklahoma bank CEOs—Mel Martin of First National Bank of Oklahoma, Kyle Powell of Kirkpatrick Bank, and David Harlow of BancFirst—about the state’s banking history and future. The article traces Oklahoma banking back to the late 1800s, when banks operated without regulation. Modern banking began in 1897 with the introduction of bank commissioners. FNB, founded in 1917, grew from $50 million in assets to $975 million. Kirkpatrick Bank, with roots in the 1880s, emphasizes community relationships. BancFirst, now in 114 locations, focuses on local decision-making and customer service.
Our Reading
The routine arrives with confidence.
Old banks, new names. Same people, same places.
They’ve been here since the land runs. Now they’re here for the long haul.
They don’t chase tech, they wait for it to prove itself.
Local banks, local rules, local pride—just like the 19th century, but with better coffee.
Author: Evan Null
