Southside Bank

First Bank & Trust East Texas Overview

First Bank & Trust East Texas is a community-focused financial institution with a deep history rooted in the East Texas region. Established in 1953 as Diboll State Bank, the bank has undergone significant growth and transformation through strategic mergers and acquisitions, solidifying its position as a trusted financial partner for individuals and businesses alike. This detailed overview explores its history, services, customer support, and overall strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive understanding of what First Bank & Trust East Texas offers.

Overview

Year of Establishment and Background Story

First Bank & Trust East Texas's story begins in 1953 with the founding of Diboll State Bank. This humble beginning marked the start of a journey marked by strategic growth and a commitment to serving the East Texas community. Over the years, the bank has successfully integrated with other institutions, strengthening its financial capacity and expanding its reach. These mergers represent a key element of the bank’s evolution and success. The bank’s history showcases resilience, adaptability, and a dedication to long-term growth within the East Texas market.

Key Milestones in the Company’s History and Growth

The bank's journey is punctuated by several key milestones that demonstrate its consistent expansion and adaptation to the evolving financial landscape. These mergers and name changes reflect a strategy focused on broader reach and improved service offerings. The opening of new branches further illustrates its commitment to expanding its services across East Texas. A timeline of these significant events illustrates this growth:

• 1953: Founded as Diboll State Bank.
• 1980: Merged with New Diboll State Bank.
• 1999: Merged with First Bank & Trust, Cleveland, TX.
• 2001: Merged with The First State Bank, Jasper, TX, and Pineland State Bank, Pineland, TX.
• 2007: Opened a branch in Longview, TX.
• 2017: Merged with Southside Bank, Tyler, TX.
• Name Changes: The bank's name has evolved alongside its growth, reflecting its expanding scope and services. From Diboll State Bank to its current name, First Bank & Trust East Texas, each iteration reflects a significant milestone in its history.

Regulatory Compliance and Licenses

First Bank & Trust East Texas operates under strict regulatory guidelines, ensuring transparency and accountability. The bank's adherence to these regulations demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding customer funds and maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity.

Insurance Products and Services

It's crucial to clarify that First Bank & Trust East Texas is primarily a banking institution and does not offer insurance products. Their focus is on providing a comprehensive suite of banking services tailored to the needs of their East Texas community. Customers seeking insurance products should consult with a specialized insurance provider.

Premiums and Pricing

Given that First Bank & Trust East Texas does not offer insurance products, there are no premiums or pricing structures related to insurance services to discuss.

Customer Service and Support

First Bank & Trust East Texas values customer satisfaction and offers several channels for customers to access support and assistance. While they may not offer 24/7 support, their commitment to personalized service provides customers with readily available assistance during standard banking hours. Direct communication with loan officers facilitates efficient problem resolution and personalized financial guidance. The bank prioritizes building strong relationships with its clients.

• Phone: (936) 829-4721
• Website: www.fbtet.com

While 24/7 support isn't explicitly offered, the dedicated loan officers provide a high level of personalized support to clients. Multilingual assistance is not specifically mentioned on their readily available materials.

Pros and Cons of First Bank & Trust East Texas

Pros

• Community-Focused Banking: First Bank & Trust East Texas prioritizes building relationships with its local community. This focus on personalized service distinguishes them in the banking landscape.
• Dedicated Loan Officers: The bank's commitment to fostering strong relationships with dedicated loan officers provides clients with personalized financial guidance and support. This creates a more accessible and trustworthy banking experience.

Cons

• Limited Branch Locations: Compared to larger national banks, First Bank & Trust East Texas might have a more limited branch network. This may present a geographical constraint for some potential clients.
• No Insurance Products: The absence of insurance products could be a drawback for customers seeking a comprehensive suite of financial services under one roof.

Conclusion

Summary of the Main Points Covered in the Review

First Bank & Trust East Texas has a long-standing presence in the East Texas community, offering a range of financial services. The bank's community focus, dedicated loan officers, and strong history are key advantages. However, its limited branch network and lack of insurance products may limit its appeal to certain customers.

Recommendations on Who Would Benefit Most from the Company’s Financial Offerings

First Bank & Trust East Texas is well-suited for individuals and businesses in East Texas seeking a community-focused banking experience with personalized service. Those prioritizing convenience through extensive branch access or those seeking bundled insurance products would likely benefit from exploring alternative financial institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions about First Bank & Trust East Texas

1. What services does First Bank & Trust East Texas offer? First Bank & Trust East Texas primarily offers a variety of banking services, including loan products, but does not offer insurance services.
2. How can I contact First Bank & Trust East Texas? You can contact them by phone at (936) 829-4721 or visit their website at www.fbtet.com.
3. What is the history of First Bank & Trust East Texas? First Bank & Trust East Texas was established in 1953 as Diboll State Bank. It has since grown through several mergers and acquisitions, solidifying its presence in East Texas.

References

• [1] https://www.dob.texas.gov/entity-search/entity-detail?bid=470&bn=0
• [2] https://www.zoominfo.com/c/first-bank--trust-east-texas/33835480
• [3] https://www.firstbank.com
• [4] https://www.cbinsights.com/company/first-bank-and-trust-east-texas