After nearly 15 years in the Texas market, we are just as excited today as we were the day we launched about serving our clients and the community here. We’re steadily growing, and at the end of 2025, loan balances for the Texas region were $4.1 billion – an increase of 51.9% compared to 2024.
In 2025, we moved our offices from Plano and downtown Dallas, and we’re now located at The Berkshire in Preston Center where we occupy the16th floor. UMB has invested in local talent, deepened expertise and expanded banking capabilities to meet the evolving needs of businesses throughout the state.
Texas continues to be one of the nation’s most dynamic economies, attracting businesses‡, talent and investment from across the country. Between 2015 and 2024, more than 300 corporate headquarters relocated to Texas‡, while the state’s population continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in the nation. Combined with a diverse economy spanning energy, manufacturing, technology, healthcare and logistics, Texas offers businesses tremendous opportunity to innovate and expand.
What our bankers are seeing across Texas
No one understands the opportunities and challenges facing Texas businesses better than the bankers who live and work in these communities every day. We’ve reviewed the year so far to see which trends are showing up in our conversations with business owners and operators.
Our Texas market leaders are seeing companies prioritize growth, efficiency and flexibility as they navigate a shifting business environment. More owners are beginning succession planning earlier than ever before. While some pursue traditional sales, others are exploring alternatives like ESOPs that can reward employees, preserve company culture and create long-term value.
Across the state, businesses continue to invest in expansion and acquisition strategies, technology, workforce development and supply chain resilience. At the same time, many leaders are taking a closer look at liquidity, interest rate exposure, working capital and long-term capital structure. That combination of optimism and discipline is shaping conversations in boardrooms and executive offices throughout Texas.
Texas business trends to watch
Below we focus on the perspectives of Eddie Broussard, president of UMB Bank’s Fort Worth region, Jeff Strasner‡, UMB Bank commercial banking team lead in Texas and Michael Garner‡, president of the Texas and Oklahoma region.
Michael’s view: Growth requires local insight and long-term perspective
Texas remains a place where business leaders think big, but growth rarely follows a straight line. Companies evaluating expansion, new facilities, acquisitions or capital investments need financial partners who understand both the opportunity and the complexity of the local market.
Michael sees businesses continuing to pursue growth with a more strategic eye toward balance sheet strength and operational resilience. Many organizations are focused on maintaining flexibility while positioning themselves for the next phase of expansion. That may include reassessing credit structures, improving cash flow or using treasury management tools to operate more efficiently.
The most effective banking relationships are built around proactive conversations, not one-time transactions.
Eddie’s view: Diversification continues to strengthen Texas businesses
One of Texas’ greatest advantages is the diversity of its economy. Energy remains a foundational industry, while manufacturing, healthcare, technology, logistics, real estate and professional services continue to expand across the state. That diversification creates opportunity, but it also requires businesses to remain adaptable.
Eddie is seeing companies focus on strategic investments that improve efficiency and support long-term competitiveness. For some businesses, that means upgrading equipment or expanding production capacity. For others, it means investing in digital tools, optimizing payment processes or strengthening liquidity management.
As industries evolve, banking needs are becoming more specialized. Businesses increasingly benefit from access to teams that understand credit, treasury, risk management, and industry-specific challenges.
Jeff’s view: Relationship banking matters in a consolidating industry
Consolidation across the banking industry has created uncertainty for many businesses. As banks merge or shift focus, companies may experience changes in service models, decision-making processes or access to senior bankers.
Jeff is hearing that business owners are looking for banks with access to local leaders and the ability to make informed decisions close to the communities and markets being served. Businesses that he’s spent time with this year want bankers who understand their history, growth plans and challenges, and who can bring forward ideas before a need becomes urgent.
Community connections: Investing beyond banking
Our commitment to Texas extends beyond financial services as we lean into our core values to ensure our communities benefit from the resources UMB provides. In 2025, donations made by UMB Financial Corporation and the UMB Financial Corporation Charitable Foundation totaled more than $8.4 million.
For Eddie, community involvement is more than giving back—it’s about helping shape Fort Worth’s future.
That commitment is reflected in his work with Fort Worth Stockyards, Inc., supporting efforts to drive thoughtful, quality growth in one of Fort Worth’s most iconic destinations. Eddie is also involved with Streams & Valleys, which is working to make the Trinity River an even greater community asset, including through the development of Panther Island.
Both efforts reflect what makes Fort Worth special and the importance of investing in its continued growth and quality of life. Staying connected to these initiatives also provides a firsthand perspective on the people, businesses and developments shaping the Fort Worth market.
Looking ahead in the Lone Star State
As Texas continues to evolve, so will the needs of its businesses. UMB remains committed to investing in the people, expertise and capabilities that help clients navigate change, capitalize on new opportunities and build lasting success across Texas.
With UMB, Texas clients have access to an even broader network of experienced bankers and specialists, along with services that support businesses through every stage of growth, including treasury management, institutional banking, corporate trust, wealth services, equipment finance, international banking, commercial capital markets expertise that includes loan syndications, interest rate swaps and derivatives, and energy hedging.
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