Capital Bank Accelerates SBA Growth with a Strategic Expansion of its SBA Team

Rhea-AI Summary

Capital Bank (NYSE:CBNK) announced on Dec. 4, 2025 an expansion of its Small Business Administration (SBA) team to grow national small-business lending capabilities. The bank hired Kirk Beason as Head of SBA, Heidi Whitesell as SBA Sales Executive, Ninel Struzska as Senior Credit Officer, and Raquel Zippilli as SBA Relationship Liaison.

The hires combine multi-decade SBA, credit, sales, and underwriting experience to strengthen SBA origination, credit discipline, and program coordination as Capital Bank pursues broader national SBA lending.

Key Figures

Head of SBA experience more than two decades Experience managing government-guaranteed lending programs

Senior Credit Officer experience more than 25 years SBA and commercial credit experience

Publication date Dec. 04, 2025 SBA team expansion announcement date

Market Reality Check

$28.67 Last Close

Volume Volume 72,931 is 55% above 20-day average of 47,145, indicating elevated pre-news interest. high

Technical Trading 7.2% below 200-day MA of $30.89, at $28.67 ahead of this SBA announcement.

Peers on Argus

CBNK was up 2.91% pre-release. Several regional peers in the same industry showed mixed but mostly positive moves (e.g., UNTY +3.59%, BHB +1.89%, SPFI +1.36%, HONE -1.79%), yet no names appeared on the momentum scanner, suggesting this setup looked more stock-specific than a broad sector rotation.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Nov 19	Workplace award	Positive	-0.1%	Sixth inclusion in American Banker’s Best Banks to Work For list.
Nov 14	CFO appointment	Positive	-4.1%	Promotion of Chief Strategy Officer to Executive Vice President and CFO.
Oct 27	Q3 earnings	Positive	-2.9%	Strong Q3 EPS, ROA, ROE and growth in loans, book value, and dividend.
Jul 28	Q2 earnings	Positive	-7.8%	Robust Q2 profitability with loan and deposit growth and higher dividend.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive operational and recognition news has often been followed by negative or flat next-day price reactions, indicating a pattern of selling or muted response on good news.

Recent Company History

Over the last several months, CBNK reported strong quarterly results with ROA 1.60–1.77%, healthy EPS growth (e.g., $0.89 in 3Q 2025), and growth in loans and deposits. It also increased its dividend and continued integrating the IFH acquisition. Governance and management updates included appointment of a new CFO and repeated recognition as a “Best Bank to Work For”. Despite generally constructive news, shares moved -7.76%, -2.91%, and -4.10% after some of these announcements, contrasting with today’s pre-news strength into the SBA expansion.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Short Interest

2.36%

0% 15% 30%+

low

Short interest at 2.36% of float with 7.59 days to cover indicates limited but non-negligible positioning against the stock, suggesting short-covering effects were unlikely to dominate reactions to new SBA growth announcements.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights a deliberate build-out of Capital Bank’s SBA capabilities, adding leaders with more than 20–25 years of specialized experience to grow its nationwide platform. In recent quarters, the bank emphasized loan growth, strong margins, and integration of the IFH acquisition, while also refreshing its leadership team. Investors may watch how SBA loan volume, credit quality, and fee income trends evolve, alongside any further regulatory filings or insider activity that could reshape the risk–reward profile.

Key Terms

due diligence financial

"to support due diligence and coordination across SBA loan programs"

Due diligence is the careful investigation and analysis someone conducts before making a decision, such as investing money or entering into an agreement. It’s like researching thoroughly before buying a used car to ensure it’s in good condition; this helps prevent surprises and makes informed choices. For investors, due diligence reduces risk by verifying details and understanding what they’re getting into.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital Bank, N.A. announced today the expansion of its Small Business Administration (SBA) team with the addition of several experienced SBA professionals. This strategic move enhances the bank’s SBA capabilities and positions Capital Bank to grow its national presence in small business lending.

Leading the expanded group is Kirk Beason, Head of SBA, an accomplished SBA and credit executive with more than two decades of experience managing government-guaranteed lending programs. Kirk has held senior leadership roles overseeing SBA, USDA, and commercial credit functions, known for improving credit discipline, strengthening processes, and driving strong portfolio performance. His strategic insight and operational leadership will guide the continued development of Capital Bank’s nationwide SBA platform.

Joining him is Heidi Whitesell, SBA Sales Executive, an industry-recognized SBA leader with extensive experience building and leading national sales teams. Heidi has served in executive-level SBA roles, including President and COO of a national SBA lender, where she oversaw sales, operations, and production. Her leadership, national relationships, and deep SBA expertise will accelerate business development and expand Capital Bank’s reach with small business owners across the country.

Ninel Struzska, Senior Credit Officer, has joined the bank with more than 25 years of SBA and commercial credit experience, strengthening the ability to make informed, well-structured lending decisions for business customers. In addition, Raquel Zippilli, SBA Relationship Liaison, is coming onboard to support due diligence and coordination across SBA loan programs.

“This expansion represents a deliberate investment in the future of our SBA business,” said Steven Poynot, President and COO. “With the depth of talent joining our team, we are better positioned to serve entrepreneurs with the speed, insight, and partnership they expect from a leading national lender.”

About Capital Bank
Capital Bancorp, Inc., Rockville, Maryland is a registered bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Maryland. Capital Bancorp has been providing financial services since 1999 and now operates bank branches in seven locations including Washington D.C., Reston, VA, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Rockville, MD, Columbia, MD, Raleigh, NC, and N. Riverside, IL. Capital Bancorp had assets of approximately $3.4 billion as of September 30, 2025 and its common stock is traded in the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “CBNK.”

CONTACT INFORMATION
Capital Bank, NA
Media Contact:
Byron Stevens
bstevens@capitalbankmd.com

FAQ

Who did Capital Bank (CBNK) hire to lead its SBA team on Dec. 4, 2025?

Capital Bank named Kirk Beason as Head of SBA, supported by Heidi Whitesell, Ninel Struzska, and Raquel Zippilli.

What experience does Kirk Beason bring to Capital Bank's SBA group (CBNK)?

Kirk Beason brings more than two decades of SBA and credit leadership, including oversight of SBA, USDA, and commercial credit programs.

How will Heidi Whitesell's role affect Capital Bank's SBA sales (CBNK)?

Heidi Whitesell joins as SBA Sales Executive with national sales leadership experience to accelerate business development and expand outreach to small business owners.

What responsibilities will Ninel Struzska and Raquel Zippilli have at Capital Bank (CBNK)?

Ninel Struzska will strengthen credit decisioning as Senior Credit Officer; Raquel Zippilli will support due diligence and coordination across SBA loan programs.

Does the Dec. 4, 2025 announcement include financial targets or metrics for Capital Bank's SBA growth (CBNK)?

No; the announcement details team expansion and experience but does not disclose revenue, targets, or financial metrics.