Jill Castilla, CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, Testifies on Deposit Insurance Reform
On December 17, 2025, Jill Castilla, the CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, addressed the U.S. House Financial Services Committee to discuss the critical issues surrounding deposit insurance reform, especially in the context of community banks and the challenges they face in today’s banking landscape.
Castilla is a prominent figure in community banking, frequently recognized for her efforts in fostering relationships within financial services. With a strong background shaped by her bank’s impressive 125-year history, she shared insights generated from her experiences working closely with clients during tumultuous economic periods. Her role at Citizens Bank has positioned her uniquely to provide a practical perspective on bank operations that serve small businesses and local families alike.
During her testimony, Castilla emphasized that reforms to deposit insurance should be rooted in data and transparency, aiming to bolster public confidence rather than simply augmenting guarantees that might introduce new risks into the banking sector. Her key message was clear: any reforms must enhance the overall stability of the banking system while ensuring that community banks remain viable and equipped to support their local economies.
In her detailed written testimony, Castilla reinforced the necessity of fostering a stronger banking environment through empowering local banks—those with genuine connections to their community members. She specifically noted, "A stronger banking system will come from empowering the banks that know their customers by name and stand beside them when the headlines turn." During the economic upheavals of 2023, for instance, her institution took proactive measures, reaching out to depositors with uninsured balances to provide clarity and options regarding their funds.
"During the turmoil of 2023, following widespread reports about the potential failure of Silicon Valley Bank, we initiated contact with our customers before they needed to reach out to us," Castilla explained in her remarks. This timely outreach not only helped quell anxieties but also highlighted the essential services that community banks offer in challenging times. Batteries of tools such as reciprocal deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank letters of credit were reviewed with customers, outlining how those tools would help protect their funds.
With continued collaboration anticipated between community banks, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, Castilla’s efforts aim to ensure reform efforts remain attuned to the necessities of smaller institutions. As Citizens Bank of Edmond prepares to enter its 125th anniversary year, Castell's ongoing commitment to serving the Oklahoma community is underscored by a dedication to integrity, innovation, and stability.
Founded in 1901, Citizens Bank of Edmond holds the honor of being the oldest continuously operating bank in Oklahoma County. Its longstanding tradition of prioritizing service, particularly with a military-first approach, underpins its role as a dedicated stakeholder in local economic growth. The bank’s accolades stem not only from its customer service orientation but also from its focused commitment to community engagement.
As deposit insurance reforms continue to evolve, Jill Castilla’s testimony serves as a reaffirmation of the pivotal role of community banks in safeguarding not just the economy, but the very fabric of American society. The need for informed, transparent policies that succeed in reinforcing public trust will be paramount as we move forward into a new era of banking and finance.
Castilla is a prominent figure in community banking, frequently recognized for her efforts in fostering relationships within financial services. With a strong background shaped by her bank’s impressive 125-year history, she shared insights generated from her experiences working closely with clients during tumultuous economic periods. Her role at Citizens Bank has positioned her uniquely to provide a practical perspective on bank operations that serve small businesses and local families alike.
During her testimony, Castilla emphasized that reforms to deposit insurance should be rooted in data and transparency, aiming to bolster public confidence rather than simply augmenting guarantees that might introduce new risks into the banking sector. Her key message was clear: any reforms must enhance the overall stability of the banking system while ensuring that community banks remain viable and equipped to support their local economies.
In her detailed written testimony, Castilla reinforced the necessity of fostering a stronger banking environment through empowering local banks—those with genuine connections to their community members. She specifically noted, "A stronger banking system will come from empowering the banks that know their customers by name and stand beside them when the headlines turn." During the economic upheavals of 2023, for instance, her institution took proactive measures, reaching out to depositors with uninsured balances to provide clarity and options regarding their funds.
"During the turmoil of 2023, following widespread reports about the potential failure of Silicon Valley Bank, we initiated contact with our customers before they needed to reach out to us," Castilla explained in her remarks. This timely outreach not only helped quell anxieties but also highlighted the essential services that community banks offer in challenging times. Batteries of tools such as reciprocal deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank letters of credit were reviewed with customers, outlining how those tools would help protect their funds.
With continued collaboration anticipated between community banks, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, Castilla’s efforts aim to ensure reform efforts remain attuned to the necessities of smaller institutions. As Citizens Bank of Edmond prepares to enter its 125th anniversary year, Castell's ongoing commitment to serving the Oklahoma community is underscored by a dedication to integrity, innovation, and stability.
Founded in 1901, Citizens Bank of Edmond holds the honor of being the oldest continuously operating bank in Oklahoma County. Its longstanding tradition of prioritizing service, particularly with a military-first approach, underpins its role as a dedicated stakeholder in local economic growth. The bank’s accolades stem not only from its customer service orientation but also from its focused commitment to community engagement.
As deposit insurance reforms continue to evolve, Jill Castilla’s testimony serves as a reaffirmation of the pivotal role of community banks in safeguarding not just the economy, but the very fabric of American society. The need for informed, transparent policies that succeed in reinforcing public trust will be paramount as we move forward into a new era of banking and finance.
Topics Financial Services & Investing）
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