Bank celebrates Seventh Anniversary

Milestone marks end of ‘de novo’ status for Private Bank of Buckhead

Private Bank of Buckhead is celebrating its Seventh Anniversary. The bank opened on December 11, 2006.

“Our clients – and the market – have responded to the fact that we provide them with access to bankers with decision-making authority who are fanatical about the level of service we deliver,” says the bank’s President, CEO and Chairman Charlie Crawford. 

Crawford, who organized the bank with 11 other directors, notes that with the Seventh Anniversary milestone, Private Bank of Buckhead is no longer considered a de novo bank. De novo – “new” or “of new” in Latin – connotes banks that have been in operation seven years or less, during which time they are subject to greater regulatory scrutiny. The de novo period used to be shorter, but was increased for all new banks during recent years due to the challenging banking environment.

“We’re proud to have emerged from that phase of growth,” Crawford says. “It is further indication that we continue our strategy of steady, planned growth, while delivering high-touch service. It’s been important to take a studied approach, as some banks founded during the era in which we opened our doors were not fortunate enough to make it to this milestone. It’s gratifying to go into our eighth year in a position of strength, serving the communities which have embraced us.”

In 2008 Private Bank of Buckhead added a Small Business Administration lending department that within a year earned SBA Preferred Lender Status, which has continued to be renewed. Private Mortgage Services, a division dedicated to tailored mortgage solutions, was established in 2010. And, in October 2012 the bank opened a Decatur location, known as Private Bank of Decatur. All the while, Crawford notes, the bank has emphasized not only high-touch service, but also market-leading technology, including its PB Mobile Wallet “app.”

“We believe all clients should benefit from the heightened level of service other banks reserve for a certain few,” Crawford says. “If anyone out there doesn’t love their bank, I hope they’ll consider our approach to full-service community banking. From safe deposit boxes, checking and savings to lending options from mortgages and construction to SBA and other business loans, we’re bringing clients the service, options and technology they value.”

Private Bank of Buckhead (www.PrivateBankOfBuckhead.com) is located in Piedmont Center (Building Three). The Private Bank of Decatur division (www.PrivateBankOfDecatur.com) is located at 150 East Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur, at the corner of Ponce and Church Street. Private Mortgage Services is represented in both the Buckhead and Decatur locations.