When local entrepreneur and immigrant Kanwar “Ken” Suri had a frustrating experience at a local bank in the early 2000s, he realized he was not alone.
He suspected other immigrants faced the same roadblocks, so he rallied a group of local investors to build something better. By April 2005, Mr. Suri had navigated the complex regulatory process to launch One World Bank in Dallas, raising a stunning amount, exceeding $11.6 million in capital in a single week.
The bank, designated as a Minority Depository Institution, or MDI, was built on a foundation of diversity with a mission to serve the total community. That relationship-first approach proved resilient; while the 2008 financial crisis claimed numerous institutions, One World Bank pushed through the economic downturn and kept moving forward.
Over the last two decades, One World Bank has expanded across Texas, stretching from Houston and Aubrey to Richardson. They also ranked No. 10 in the nation among community banks by S&P Global in 2024 and No. 3 in the State of Texas.
Supporting entrepreneurs through SBA lending
As a Small Business Administration (SBA) preferred lender, One World Bank focuses on helping small businesses secure financing and expand operations.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the country,” President Ralph Kerr said. “If we did away with all of the small businesses, ... we wouldn’t have an economy.”
Over the years, the bank has worked with a wide range of local businesses, including convenience stores, donut shops and restaurant franchises.
One story that stands out to Kerr involved a family who began making traditional Indian ice cream from their home kitchen. As community interest rose, the family decided to turn the recipes into a business and approached One World Bank for help securing funding. The bank provided an SBA loan that helped the family launch and grow the company.
Today, the business operates a production facility in North Dallas and distributes its ice cream bars in major retailers, including Costco. Stories like that reflect the role One World Bank plays in helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
Putting the "community" in community banking
One World Bank runs on relationships. Its team mirrors the diverse Texas communities it serves, with employees fluent in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and several Indian and Pakistani dialects. This multilingual approach ensures customers can communicate comfortably and navigate financial decisions with total confidence.
Beyond banking, the team actively supports Texas communities through involvement in local chambers of commerce and Rotary clubs, as well as sponsorships for youth sports and neighborhood nonprofits.
For example, the bank has supported a golf tournament benefiting cancer research for the past three years. Created to honor a longtime SBA lending professional after a cancer diagnosis, the tournament donates all proceeds annually to Baylor Hospital for research efforts, and it raised $15,000 this year alone.
That dedication to the community also takes unique physical forms. At the Aubrey branch, the bank commissioned a large mural detailing the Trail of Tears and the history of the Five Civilized Tribes. Kerr hopes the display introduces younger generations to an important part of history while creating opportunities for local schools and families to engage with the space.
Scaling across Texas
Currently operating near Belt Line Rd. and U.S. Hwy. 75, the Richardson location functions as a loan and deposit production office, and rising customer demand has leadership planning to expand into a larger, full-service standalone branch. One World Bank is also looking to acquire other financial institutions to naturally grow its footprint across the state.
As they continue to grow, the bank remains committed to helping Texas businesses thrive, without losing the personal, community-first connection that started it all.
Looking for a banking partner that understands your business goals? Click here to learn more about One World Bank, or to contact the team today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.