Serving Community Banks
Since 1986
In 1984, a group of Oklahoma community bank leaders came together with a shared vision: to create a correspondent bank that would deliver the same services as large institutions at rates community banks could afford. They designed a model that was owned and governed by its customers — the community banks themselves.
On August 5, 1985, that vision became reality with the incorporation of Bankers Bancorp of Oklahoma, Inc. Less than a year later, on May 28, 1986, The Bankers Bank officially opened its doors.
It All Started Here
From the start, The Bankers Bank offered fed funds investments, cash management, wire services, safekeeping, and settlement.
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In 1987, the bank added credit card services for both cardholders and merchants, along with SCS Network Settlement, an early forerunner of ATM networks.
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By 1989, The Bankers Bank launched Infobank, revolutionizing correspondent banking by allowing customers to initiate wires, ACH transactions, and currency orders electronically. For many clients, the computers installed by TBB were their very first.
In August 1990, Washita Valley Bank in Fort Cobb became the first Infobank customer.
Expanding Services and Innovation
Early Leadership and Growth
The Bankers Bancorp’s first Board of Directors met in the summer of 1985. Chaired by Steve Carmack, the 13-member board represented the 38 community banks that served as the charter shareholders.
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The first office, located in the Paragon Building near Broadway Extension and 63rd Street, opened with just a handful of employees. By 1987, the team had grown to 10 as the bank’s services expanded to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s community banks.​
Innovation Continues
In 1992, independent paper check processing was introduced, giving customers faster processing times, later presentation windows, and reduced float—advantages that boosted investment potential during high-interest years.
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On June 13, 1993, Don Abernathy Jr. became TBB’s second president.
By the 10th anniversary in 1996, The Bankers Bank was thriving on the 5th floor of the Paragon Building and continued to enhance Infobank with new features such as TT&L, savings bonds, and large-dollar notifications.
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In 1999, the Fed Funds Sweep program automated fund investments and purchases, reducing manual steps for customers.
On April 24, 2000, The Bankers Bank moved into its first owned building at 3015 United Founders Boulevard.
Just a year later, on June 26, 2001, the bank welcomed its first Texas customer, American National Bank in Keller.
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Changes within the Federal Reserve opened the door for expansion, and by 2005, TBB served 25 Texas banks. That number doubled to 50 by 2011, and several Texas banks joined as shareholders.
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In 2003, Infobank evolved into InfobankWeb, later shortened to iWeb, transitioning from a dial-up system to a modern internet platform.
A New Era and New States
Meeting New Challenges
As regulations increased in the early 2000s, community banks needed additional compliance support.
To meet that need, Bankers Professional Services, Inc. (BPSI) was established in August 2004, offering bank-specific audits and consulting services.
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The Bankers Bank celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2006 with a festive luau for customers. By then, TBB had grown to 38 employees and served 200 banks.
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On August 10, 2009, TBB moved to its current location in the Saint Martins complex off May Avenue.
“In the beginning, everything was built on connection and trust. We listened, we collaborated, and we learned from the community banks we served. That teamwork set the tone for who we would become and it’s still the foundation of our culture today.” - Troy Appling, President/CEO
“The Bankers Bank became a trusted partner across multiple states because they understand community banks at every level. They bring industry knowledge, real solutions, and a network that reaches far beyond Oklahoma. That combination makes them invaluable to banks no matter where they’re located.” - Alicia Wade, Board Member, Shareholder
In 2010, Greg Garland of FirstBank & Trust Company in Lubbock became the first Texas representative on the TBB Board of Directors.
By 2013, a second Texas seat was added with Richard Sims of Wellington State Bank, expanding the Board to 15 members.
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In 2011, the Bancorp celebrated its 25th anniversary with an Oscar-themed event featuring Cirque du Soleil performers.
Strengthening Regional Leadership
Technology and Growth for the Future
To meet the growing IT and cybersecurity needs of community banks, Forward in Technology (FIT) was created in 2014. FIT focuses on IT services and compliance support for financial institutions.
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TBB’s growth continued beyond Oklahoma and Texas, expanding into New Mexico in July 2016 to better serve banks throughout the Southwest.
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The Bankers Bank celebrated its 30th anniversary by booking at a local amusement park to bring together TBB clients, their families, and employees from across the region. The event was a memorable way to celebrate the relationships that make TBB’s community so strong.
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By 2017, TBB, BPSI, and FIT had fully expanded into their second-floor headquarters space, now home to a team of 85 employees serving nearly 300 banks across Oklahoma, Texas, and neighboring states.
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Through its development and licensing of custom iWeb systems, TBB also supports more than 2,200 additional banks through indirect relationships nationwide.
In September 2020, Troy Appling became TBB’s third president, continuing the legacy of leadership grounded in service, innovation, and partnership with community banks.
As the organization continued to evolve, BPSI was relaunched as The Bankers Solutions (TBS) in August 2024, reflecting its expanded focus on compliance, audit, and consulting services designed specifically for community banks.
That same year, TBB expanded into Kansas, strengthening its regional presence.
Today, The Bankers Bank team includes more than 80 employees, each dedicated to supporting the success and stability of community banks.
Building on a Legacy
“What’s impressed me over the years is how committed The Bankers Bank is to staying out front. They’re always ahead on technology and services, keeping us competitive and prepared. But more than that, they treat everything like a partnership and when we need something, they’re there, and they make sure we’re ready for the future.” - Bruce Benbrook, Shareholder
Looking Ahead
For 40 years, The Bankers Bank has stood as a partner, advocate, and resource for community banks — helping them compete, grow, and serve their own communities.
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As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the visionaries who started it all, the customers who trust us daily, and the employees who make it possible.
“When I look at 40 years of The Bankers Bank, I see growth, loyalty, and relationships that mean something. We’ve come a long way, but the best part is knowing there’s still so much ahead. We’ll keep adding value, supporting our banks, and building on the foundation that’s made this place special from the start.” - Kas Stewart, SVP/Correspondent Officer