Third Coast Bank Expands Corporate Banking Leadership

Third Coast Bancshares names veteran banker Bernie Lacayo to drive the next phase of its corporate and middle‑market banking expansion.

Rhea-AI Summary

Third Coast Bancshares (TCBX) appointed Bernardo “Bernie” Lacayo as Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking, effective immediately on September 14, 2026.

Lacayo joined Third Coast in March 2026 and will lead the Bank’s corporate banking strategy, focusing on expanding capabilities for larger and more complex client relationships across Texas and beyond. He brings more than three decades of banking and financial services experience, including nearly 18 years at CIBC Bank USA and its predecessor, where he led loan markets and syndications teams. Earlier roles at Citizens Financial Group and LaSalle Bank covered middle‑market banking, specialized industry lending, credit administration and loan portfolio management.

Key Figures

Banking experience: More than three decades CIBC tenure: Nearly 18 years

Banking experience

More than three decades

Bernie Lacayo's banking and financial services experience

CIBC tenure

Nearly 18 years

Lacayo's tenure with CIBC Bank USA and its predecessor

Key Terms

senior-debt syndications, mezzanine, second-lien financing, credit facilities

4 terms

senior-debt syndications financial

"leading teams focused on senior-debt syndications"

A senior-debt syndication is the process where one or more lead lenders arrange a large loan and then sell portions of that loan to a group of other banks or institutional lenders, so the borrowing is split across multiple creditors. The “senior” label means this debt has top priority for repayment if the borrower defaults, like being first in line at a claims counter, and that priority, the loan’s interest rate, and how widely it is held matter to investors because they affect credit risk, recoveries in distress, and market liquidity.

mezzanine financial

"including mezzanine and second-lien financing"

Mezzanine financing is a middle layer of capital that sits between a company’s regular bank loans and its shareholders’ equity, combining features of a loan and an option to buy stock. Think of it as a higher-risk, higher-return loan that may pay extra interest and include the right to convert into shares; it matters to investors because it affects a company’s risk profile, potential dilution of ownership, and the order in which creditors get paid if the company struggles.

second-lien financing financial

"including mezzanine and second-lien financing"

A secured loan or debt issue that uses the same collateral as a first-lien loan but ranks behind it in priority for repayment; if the borrower defaults or collateral is sold, holders of the first-lien claim are paid before second-lien creditors. It matters to investors because the lower repayment priority increases credit risk and usually leads to higher interest rates or different pricing, and it affects how much of the collateral’s value second-lien holders can expect to recover — think of two people with claims on the same house, where one gets paid in full before the other.

credit facilities financial

"distribution of syndicated commercial and industrial and commercial real estate credit facilities"

Credit facilities are arrangements with banks or lenders that let a company borrow money up to an agreed limit when it needs cash, similar to a business credit card or a home line of credit. They matter to investors because they show how a company manages short‑ and medium‑term financing needs, affect liquidity and debt levels, and can influence costs and risks if borrowing terms change or covenants are breached.

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Names Bernie Lacayo Head of Corporate Banking

HOUSTON, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE & NYSE Texas: TCBX), ("Third Coast"), the holding company of Third Coast Bank (the "Bank"), today announced the appointment of Bernardo "Bernie" Lacayo as EVP, Head of Corporate Banking, effective immediately. Lacayo joined Third Coast in March 2026, adding depth and experience to the organization as it advances its long-term strategy to broaden its corporate banking capabilities across Texas and beyond.

"I'm thrilled to join Third Coast, a growth-oriented organization that combines a relationship-driven culture with an entrepreneurial vision," Lacayo said. "The Bank has assembled an outstanding leadership team with deep industry expertise and a genuine commitment to serving as trusted advisors to our clients. Together, we have an opportunity to build a distinctive corporate banking platform that delivers sophisticated solutions without losing the personal approach that sets Third Coast apart."

Lacayo brings more than three decades of banking and financial services experience, with a track record of building corporate and middle-market banking businesses, developing specialized lending capabilities and leading teams through periods of significant growth. In his new role, he is responsible for advancing the Bank's corporate banking strategy and expanding its capabilities for larger, more complex client relationships.

Third Coast Bank is investing in a corporate banking platform that combines sophisticated financial capabilities with the relationship-driven service that has long differentiated the Bank. Under Lacayo's leadership, the Bank expects to broaden its reach among middle-market companies and deepen relationships across its Texas markets and beyond.

"Bernie's extensive experience building successful banking businesses, developing talent and creating client solutions makes him an exceptional addition to our organization," said Bill Bobbora, Chief Banking Officer of Third Coast. "His ability to identify emerging opportunities, collaborate across the organization and translate strategy into consistent results will be instrumental as we execute the next phase of Third Coast's growth."

Lacayo spent nearly 18 years with CIBC Bank USA and its predecessor, The PrivateBank & Trust Company. He most recently served as Head of Loan Markets from 2025 to 2026, leading teams focused on senior-debt syndications as well as junior-debt solutions, including mezzanine and second-lien financing. Previously, he served as Head of Loan Syndications from 2008 through 2024, leading the origination, structuring and distribution of syndicated commercial and industrial and commercial real estate credit facilities.

Earlier in his career, Lacayo was Senior Vice President and Division Manager at Citizens Financial Group, where he established middle-market banking teams and specialized industry lending groups across Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Missouri. He also held senior roles at LaSalle Bank, with experience spanning credit administration, loan portfolio management, business development and leadership of the bank's Food Distribution Group. Across these roles, he built businesses within regulated financial institutions by combining experienced talent, disciplined execution and collaboration across business lines. Lacayo earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Psychology from the University of Notre Dame.

About Third Coast Bancshares, Inc.
Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. is a commercially focused, Texas-based bank holding company operating primarily in the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Greater Houston, and San Antonio markets through its wholly owned subsidiary, Third Coast Bank. Founded in 2008 in Humble, Texas, Third Coast Bank conducts banking operations through 21 branches encompassing the four largest metropolitan areas in Texas. Please visit https://www.thirdcoast.bank for more information.

Contact:
Ken Dennard / Natalie Hairston
Dennard Lascar Investor Relations
(713) 529-6600
TCBX@dennardlascar.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/third-coast-bank-expands-corporate-banking-leadership-302875800.html

SOURCE Third Coast Bancshares