Raymond James announced that b1BANK has selected its Financial Institutions Division to support the bank’s investment program, b1 Wealth Solutions Group.
Through the alignment, b1 Wealth Solutions Group will provide clients with comprehensive wealth management services through Raymond James Financial Services. The program operates across Louisiana and Texas.
b1 Wealth Solutions Group includes a program manager, a financial advisor, and one branch professional. The team manages approximately $335 million in client assets.
The alignment follows b1BANK’s January 2026 acquisition of Progressive Bank and the integration of Progressive Financial Advisors, an established team already affiliated with Raymond James’ Financial Institutions Division.
Together, the combined wealth program includes three advisors managing more than $600 million in client assets. Raymond James said the move positions b1BANK to scale its wealth management offering while improving the advisor and client experience.
Raymond James established its Financial Institutions Division in 1987 to provide banks and credit unions with an alternative to traditional third-party investment providers. The division supports financial institutions seeking to compete with larger banks and securities firms by offering brokerage, advisory, wealth management, investment banking, public finance, research, and self-clearing capabilities.
Raymond James Financial Services supports independent financial advisors nationwide. Raymond James Financial had approximately $1.92 trillion in total client assets as of May 31, 2026.
Business First Bancshares, through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, has $8.9 billion in assets. The bank operates banking centers and loan production offices across Louisiana and Texas, providing commercial and personal banking products and services.
b1BANK also has $5.7 billion in assets under management through its affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, not including $1 billion of b1BANK assets managed by Smith Shellnut Wilson.
KEY QUOTES:
“b1BANK has taken a strategic approach to strengthening its wealth management offering, and we’re proud to support that vision. By unifying its wealth management group on the Raymond James platform, the team is well positioned to scale their program, enhance the advisor and client experience, and deliver more comprehensive financial guidance.”
Jon DeMayo, Vice President of Business Development at Raymond James Financial Institutions Division
“Choosing the right partner for our wealth clients is not a decision we take lightly. Raymond James FID has the scale, the depth and a long-term growth orientation that aligns with how we operate. When a partner thinks about this business the way we do, the integration becomes less of a transition and more of a natural next step.”
Jude Melville, CEO of b1BANK
