What does it take for a bank to last 135 years?
David Baty, the CEO of Texas Republic Bank, said the answer is simple: people, consistency and a commitment to doing business the right way.
The bank, originally chartered in 1891, holds the oldest bank charter of any institution headquartered in Collin County. Over more than a century, it has weathered events ranging from the Great Depression to the COVID-19 pandemic; something Baty credits to its community-focused approach.
“Ultimately, banking is a people business, and our people have always been what set us apart,” Baty said. “Every bank has ‘green money,’ so service, diligence, and keeping our word is what has carried our bank through national and world crises.”
A story rooted in local leadership
While the bank’s history spans generations, its modern growth story began in 2011 when a new investor group, led by Baty, acquired the institution. This was during a period of financial distress following the Great Recession, and industry experts estimated recovery could take up to two years.
Instead, the new leadership team restored profitability within 11 months.
Since then, Texas Republic Bank has grown from $23 million in assets to $500 million as of 2025, all through organic growth. The bank has also expanded from two locations to six, with a seventh location planned in Anna.
Balancing technology with personal service
As banking has evolved, Texas Republic Bank has worked to stay competitive without losing its personal touch.
“Our bank offers the same technological products and services that all of the big banks offer, ... but with a personalized style, where the customer is known by name, not just [by] a number,” Baty said.
Services such as mobile banking, remote deposit capture and person-to-person payments allow customers to manage finances from anywhere while still having direct access to local bankers when needed.
That balance has helped attract customers transitioning from larger institutions.
“We routinely have customers who move their banking to us from big banks,” Baty said. “They tell us that our technology is more user-friendly and intuitive than the technology offered by the big banks they are moving from.”
The benefits of local decision-making
As a locally owned, independent community bank headquartered in Frisco, Texas Republic Bank emphasizes quick decision-making and flexibility.
“All our decisions are made right here [in Frisco],” Baty said. “We don’t have to call Dallas, let alone San Francisco or New York to make a decision.”
That structure allows the bank to respond quickly to their customers’ needs, often delivering solutions in days rather than months.
“We like to tell prospects that we don’t have a ‘box,’” Baty said. “We hear their story and then custom-craft a response to their needs based on common sense. Our approach is always to look for a way to say ‘yes’ rather than ‘no.’”
The owner of HBS Systems, Chad Stone, had been trying to get a multi-million dollar loan approved by a larger bank for years before turning to Texas Republic Bank.
“I was able to meet with [Stone], commit the loan on the spot in that meeting and have it closed within the week,” Baty said. “This experience is what we call ‘shock and awe,’ and it is fun to deliver such impactful results for the customer.”
Westport Lending, another commercial customer of Texas Republic Bank, highlighted their experience in a testimonial.
“Working with Texas Republic Bank has been a great experience for our business,” owner of Westport Lending Jacob Davenport said. “Their team takes the time to understand our goals and provides the support and guidance we need as we continue to grow. ... It’s clear they are invested in the success of the businesses they serve.”
Investing in people drives long-term success
Baty points to the bank’s team as one of its strongest assets.
Since 2011, the organization has grown from 12 employees to around 80, with a focus on hiring individuals who align with its culture. Long-term retention remains a priority, with 39% of staff having worked for the bank for more than five years.
“We want people to come work for us, put down roots and stay for a long time,” Baty said.
The company supports employees through benefits such as tuition reimbursement, milestone incentives and opportunities for advancement.
Looking ahead
As Texas Republic Bank celebrates its 135th anniversary, its focus remains unchanged.
By combining modern banking tools with local decision-making and a people-first philosophy, the bank aims to continue serving North Texas communities for generations to come.
Click here to learn more about Texas Republic Bank 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.
