Georgia Skyline Bank: A New Venture in the Banking Industry
Having received regulatory approvals, the founders of a Georgia de novo community bank are closing in on a minimum capital goal of $25 million. Georgia Skyline Bank, based in Roswell, got the OK from the state’s banking and finance department and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. last month.
A New Approach to Community Banking
The new commercial lender seeks to offer “white-glove,” relationship-driven banking services to small businesses generating between $2 million and $50 million in annual revenue, said bank President Ryan Floyd.
Floyd, along with co-founders Nick Marsit and Phil Resch, all hail from The Piedmont Bank, which was acquired by United Bank in 2025. Inspired by the acquisition, Floyd expressed his desire to create a more nimble and agile banking environment where building relationships is prioritized.
United Bank, with about $32 billion in assets and 240 locations, has dual headquarters in Washington, D.C., and Charleston, West Virginia. Floyd, who was a senior vice president at Piedmont, saw an opportunity to provide personalized banking services to small businesses in the region.
Embracing the De Novo Route
The founders initially considered recapitalizing existing banks but opted for the de novo route instead. They aim to raise between $25 million and $35 million, with an expected minimum target to be reached in about a month. The bank is set to open in late February or early March, with industry veteran Steve Crowell appointed as CEO.
The regulatory process, spearheaded by the FDIC, began in June, emphasizing the importance of patience in navigating the complexities of establishing a new bank in the current landscape.
A Focus on Service and Innovation
Georgia Skyline Bank aims to serve the underserved small businesses in the region, offering expedited service and approvals through personal interaction and local decision-making. The bank plans to reach $250 million in assets by the end of its third year, focusing on attracting deposits and prioritizing technology investments over physical expansion.
By forgoing a large office space in favor of advanced technology investments, the bank aims to compete with larger institutions. Partnering with a core processor and leveraging digital platforms, Georgia Skyline seeks to provide a seamless banking experience for its customers.
Future Growth and Expansion
While the bank plans to add locations in the future, Floyd emphasized the importance of strategic growth and hiring the right team members. With a target of 22 employees in the permanent branch in Alpharetta by spring 2027, Georgia Skyline is committed to serving its community and exploring potential partnerships or mergers in the long term.
As Georgia Skyline Bank prepares to make its mark in the banking industry, the founders remain focused on providing exceptional service and meeting the needs of their customers.
Source: Here
