Syracuse, Kan.-based Dream First Bank is expanding into Oklahoma by acquiring Alva-based BancCentral. .The acquisition includes BancCentral Oklahoma branches in four northern Oklahoma cities: Alva, Enid, Cherokee and Woodward. “We are excited to bring BancCentral customers our community-focused and personal approach to banking,” said Chris Floyd, president and CEO of the nearly $700 million Dream First Bank. “We have been firmly established for more than 100 years, and family owned for 40 years, and we are committed to building up the communities in which we operate by providing financial resources to make dreams a reality.”Taylor Horst, CEO of the $267 million BancCentral, called the merger “a natural evolution for both of our banks. By joining forces, we can deliver greater value to our customers, invest in our communities, and build a more sustainable future for our employees.” In July 2023, Dream First Bank acquired Heartland Tri-State Bank in Elkhart, Kan. Heartland Tri-State failed after its CEO, Shan Hanes, embezzled $47.1 million from the bank. Hanes is now serving more than 24 years in prison in connection with the scheme.
