Orange Investment Advisors Enhances Team with Appointment of Two Portfolio Managers

Rhea-AI Summary

Orange County Bancorp (Nasdaq: OBT) announced that Orange Investment Advisors appointed Robert Carr and Stephen Soper as portfolio managers effective Feb 11, 2026. They will manage client portfolios across the full client lifecycle, emphasizing risk management, tailored plans, and long-term client partnerships.

The hires leverage Carr's 25+ years in institutional sales and platform development and Soper's 30+ years in wealth management and trust services.

Key Figures

Experience - Robert Carr: more than 25 years Experience - Stephen Soper: more than three decades

2 metrics

Experience - Robert Carr more than 25 years Institutional sales, platform development, and client relationship roles

Experience - Stephen Soper more than three decades Financial industry roles across wealth management and private banking

Market Reality Check

Price: $34.96 Vol: Volume 127,506 is 2.21x t...

high vol

$34.96 Last Close

Volume Volume 127,506 is 2.21x the 20-day average of 57,652, indicating elevated interest ahead of this staffing news. high

Technical Shares at $35.41 are trading above the 200-day MA of $26.55 and sit 2.57% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

OBT slipped 0.42% while peers were mixed: BWFG up 0.65%, BRBS, FMAO, RBB, and GC...

OBT slipped 0.42% while peers were mixed: BWFG up 0.65%, BRBS, FMAO, RBB, and GCBC down between 0.12% and 1.54%, suggesting today’s move was more stock-specific than sector-driven.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 04 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 04	Full-year earnings	Positive	+1.5%	Record fiscal 2025 net income, EPS, and balance sheet growth metrics.
Nov 24	Dividend increase	Positive	+3.9%	Cash dividend raised to $0.18 per share with a $0.05 increase.
Oct 29	Quarterly earnings	Positive	+1.4%	Record Q3 2025 results with higher net income and net interest metrics.
Oct 08	Brand integration	Positive	+0.0%	Rebranding to Orange Investment Advisors to unify wealth services with the bank.
Sep 10	Credit ratings	Positive	-0.4%	KBRA assigned investment-grade ratings citing strong deposits and capital position.

Pattern Detected

OBT has generally reacted positively to strong financial and capital-related news, with only one recent divergence on a favorable ratings update.

Recent Company History

Over the last six months, OBT reported record results for fiscal 2025 and Q3 2025, alongside higher dividends and favorable KBRA ratings, with mostly positive price reactions. The October 2025 rebrand to Orange Investment Advisors set up a more unified wealth platform. Today’s portfolio manager appointments extend that trajectory by deepening Orange Investment Advisors’ capabilities following the earlier rebranding and ongoing earnings strength, reinforcing the advisory arm’s strategic role within the bank group.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement expands Orange Investment Advisors’ bench with two highly experienced portfolio ma...

Analysis

This announcement expands Orange Investment Advisors’ bench with two highly experienced portfolio managers, building on the 2025 rebrand that unified OBT’s wealth platform. It follows record earnings, dividend growth, and favorable credit ratings, underscoring an ongoing strategic emphasis on advisory and wealth services. Investors can watch how these hires influence organic growth within Orange Investment Advisors and complement the bank’s strong balance sheet metrics highlighted in recent results, as the stock trades near its 52-week high of $36.34.

Key Terms

capital markets, wealth management, fiduciary excellence

3 terms

capital markets financial

"development, and client relationship development across wealth management, clearing in trading, and capital markets."

Capital markets are places where people and organizations buy and sell long-term investments like stocks and bonds. They help connect those who need money to grow or fund projects with investors looking to earn returns over time. For investors, capital markets are important because they offer opportunities to invest, save, and grow their wealth through a variety of financial assets.

wealth management financial

"relationship development across wealth management, clearing in trading, and capital markets."

Wealth management is a professional service that helps people organize, grow and protect their money by combining investment advice with tax planning, retirement preparation and long-range financial planning into a single, ongoing strategy. Think of it as a personal financial coach and project manager who coordinates specialists and choices to meet life goals. For investors, it matters because it aligns investments with objectives, manages risk and seeks better after-tax outcomes over time.

fiduciary excellence financial

"propelling growth while maintaining a commitment to fiduciary excellence, deliberate investment strategies,"

Fiduciary excellence means a person or organization consistently puts clients’ financial interests ahead of their own, making decisions with transparency, care and reasonable diligence—like a trusted guide who chooses the safest, most helpful route instead of the cheapest way to save themselves time. For investors it matters because it reduces conflicts, lowers the chance of costly mistakes or hidden fees, and increases confidence that advice and actions are aimed at long‑term value rather than short‑term gain.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orange County Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” - Nasdaq: OBT), parent company of Orange Bank & Trust Co. (the “Bank”) and Orange Investment Advisors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Carr and Stephen Soper as Portfolio Managers at Orange Investment Advisors, effective immediately.

Carr and Soper will manage client portfolios in alignment with individual investment objectives and the firm’s investment philosophy, while serving as long-term strategic partners to clients. Their responsibilities span the full client lifecycle, from evaluating risk tolerance and establishing financial goals to building tailored investment plans and actively monitoring portfolios as conditions evolve.

“We are delighted to welcome Robert and Stephen at a time of continued growth for our firm,” said Curt Schultzberg, President of Orange Investment Advisors. “They bring a thoughtful, research-driven approach and a clear focus on risk management and long-term client success. Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue to expand our investment capabilities.”

Carr has more than 25 years of proven success in institutional sales, platform development, and client relationship development across wealth management, clearing in trading, and capital markets. He most recently was Principal at VS Asset Management, where he was responsible for all capital raising and business development for a disruptor fund strategy. He previously held positions with Penserra Securities, Fox River Execution-Sungard, Weeden & Co., and Fidelity Investments.

Soper has spent more than three decades in the financial industry, most recently as Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Passumpsic Bank. He brings extensive experience providing strategic direction and oversight in wealth management, retirement services, business development, and private banking. He has also held key roles at Chase Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Fidelity Bank, Rabobank, Moody Bank, Lakeland Bank, and Wrights Investors’ Services.

Rich Rowley, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Orange Investment Advisors, stated: “These two new appointments strengthen the firm's leadership as it capitalizes on its strategic alignment with Orange Bank & Trust Company, propelling growth while maintaining a commitment to fiduciary excellence, deliberate investment strategies, and personalized client service.”

About Orange County Bancorp, Inc
Orange County Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Orange Bank & Trust Company and Orange Investment Advisors, Inc. Orange Bank & Trust Company is an independent bank that began with the vision of 14 founders over 125 years ago. It has grown through innovation and an unwavering commitment to its community and business clientele to approximately $2.7 billion in total assets. Orange Investment Advisors, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor in Goshen, NY. It was founded in 1996 and acquired by the Company in 2012.

Contact:
Candice Varetoni , Marketing Officer
Orange Bank & Trust Company
cvaretoni@orangebanktrust.com

FAQ

Who are the new portfolio managers appointed by Orange Investment Advisors (OBT) on Feb 11, 2026?

The new hires are Robert Carr and Stephen Soper, appointed as portfolio managers effective Feb 11, 2026. According to Orange County Bancorp, both will manage client portfolios and serve as long-term strategic partners focused on risk management and tailored investment planning.

What experience do Robert Carr and Stephen Soper bring to Orange Investment Advisors (OBT)?

Carr brings over 25 years in institutional sales, platform development, and capital markets; Soper brings over 30 years in wealth management and trust services. According to Orange County Bancorp, their backgrounds include roles at major banks and asset management firms.

How will the appointments of Carr and Soper affect client service at Orange Investment Advisors (OBT)?

The appointments aim to strengthen personalized client service and portfolio oversight across the client lifecycle. According to Orange County Bancorp, they will evaluate risk tolerance, set goals, build tailored plans, and actively monitor portfolios as market conditions evolve.

Are these hires expected to change Orange Investment Advisors' investment approach (OBT)?

No fundamental change is announced; the hires are described as enhancing capabilities within the existing investment philosophy. According to Orange County Bancorp, Carr and Soper will align portfolios with individual objectives while emphasizing risk management and a research-driven approach.

When did Orange Investment Advisors officially name the new portfolio managers and who commented on the appointments (OBT)?

The firm announced the appointments effective Feb 11, 2026, and Curt Schultzberg, President of Orange Investment Advisors, commented on the hires. According to Orange County Bancorp, leadership said the appointments support continued growth and client-focused investment capabilities.