Paul Moxley, former President and Director of Texas State Bank and Regional Commercial Executive of BBVA Compass, became the new CEO of Texas Regional Bank on August 1, after 12 months out of the banking industry. A Valley native, Moxley has been in banking since 1970 and was instrumental in overseeing the 2008 integration and conversion of Texas State Bank into BBVA Compass. He talked to VBR’s editor about the outlook for banking in the Valley.

Why did you decide to head up Texas Regional Bank?

I see it as a challenge and a good opportunity to support a young bank expand and help the Valley grow. Community banking is very strong here. Texas State Bank started as a community bank in 1986, and in 20 years it grew into a regional bank with 72 banks across Texas and over $7 billion in assets. As a community bank, Texas Regional is putting capital back into the community and offering the type of banking our customers need. The directors, officers and employees grew up in the Valley, understand the economy, and they know how to treat customers right. Decisions are made locally. The board of directors and the shareholders (approximately 220) are here in the Valley. Ownership is broad based with no group holding a controlling interest.

Is banking different in the Valley in comparison to other regions?

Border banking is different than other areas of Texas and the U.S. You have to understand and be familiar with Mexico and its culture. You sometimes find the Valley’s development is being limited by the Mexico’s economy, such as the peso crisis. Other times, like now, while some areas of the U.S. have economic problems, the Valley has stable growth tempered by the strength of the Mexican economy.

What has changed?

The economic downturn has been felt in every part of the U.S. The real estate market has been affected and that has slowed down sales and investments in the Valley. Community banks and bankers were affected as new regulations trickled down which impacted all banks. What has not changed is the Valley’s customer base and the importance of understanding its needs.

For more of this story by Eileen Mattei, pick up a copy of the August edition of Valley Business Report, on news stands now, or visit the “Current & Past Issues” tab on this Web site.