Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. Honored as 2025 North American Transaction of the Year

Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. Receives Prestigious SCI Award

On October 17, 2025, Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: TCBX) proudly announced that it had been awarded the 2025 North American Transaction of the Year by the Structured Credit Investor (SCI) during its annual Capital Relief Trades Awards ceremony held in London. The company was recognized for its innovative synthetic risk transfer deal partnered with EJF Capital, marking a significant achievement in community banking and capital markets.

Bart Caraway, the Founder and CEO of Third Coast, expressed immense pride in the teamwork and creativity that led to this groundbreaking achievement. He likened their success to running a four-minute mile, a feat first accomplished by Roger Bannister, saying, “Just as Bannister broke a barrier once thought impossible, our team has proven that innovation in capital markets is achievable for community and regional banks.” This sentiment underscores not only Third Coast’s achievement but symbolizes a turning point for smaller banks aiming to access advanced financial tools traditionally utilized by larger institutions.

In April 2025, Third Coast and EJF Capital completed a pioneering $100 million synthetic risk transfer transaction, which was an unprecedented move for a U.S. bank with assets totaling $5 billion. Prior to this endeavor, only larger financial institutions had engaged in similar strategic maneuvers. This landmark deal successfully mitigated Third Coast's exposure to commercial real estate concentration risk, bolstered its capital ratios, and generated substantial non-interest income. Such pioneering initiatives pave the way for future advancements in how community banks can utilize credit risk transfer tools to strengthen their balance sheets and expand their growth potential.

The innovative approach adopted by Third Coast showcases the bank’s commitment to not only enhancing its operational methodologies but also its desire to set new standards within the banking sector. By using commercial real estate development loans as collateral, the bank is demonstrating its ability to think outside the box and leverage new opportunities for growth.

As Third Coast navigates the ever-complicated landscape of community banking, it continues to prioritize balance-sheet optimization. Following the success of its first securitization, the bank has plans to undertake additional transactions to further cement its standing in the competitive financial landscape. Meeting the demands of investors while retaining a focus on community impact, Third Coast aims to ensure that it remains at the forefront of innovation within the banking industry.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Third Coast Bancshares operates primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Third Coast Bank. With branches strategically placed across key metropolitan markets including Greater Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin-San Antonio, the bank is well-positioned to leverage its innovative financial solutions for sustained growth and industry leadership.

In the evolving world of banking, Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. stands as a prime example of resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to redefining what it means to be a community-focused bank. The recognition from SCI embodies the spirit of innovation and marks an exciting chapter for both the bank and the wider banking community.