Simmons converts to Arkansas-chartered bank

Simmons First National Corp. is set to change the name of Simmons First National Bank, according to a news release.

The holding company said Thursday that, effective Friday, its subsidiary will be known as Simmons Bank. The bank will also convert from a national banking association to an Arkansas state-chartered bank, according to the release.

The change will not affect the bank’s customers, the release said. Simmons has two bank locations in Wichita, at 8525 W. Central and 12121 E. 21st St.

“We’re strongly committed to operating our organization with a focus on community banking,” said Marty Casteel, chairman and chief executive of Simmons Bank. “We believe it will be advantageous for our shareholders, customers and associates to work with regulators who are accustomed to community banks and the challenges they face.”

The holding company, headquartered in Pine Bluff, Ark., has total assets of close to $7.6 billion, according to the release. The company conducts financial operations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee.

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 3:55 PM with the headline "Simmons converts to Arkansas-chartered bank."