The History of FM Bank & Trust
Our Roots are Strong
FM Bank & Trust traces its roots to 1908, when Farmers Bank & Trust first opened its doors in Blytheville, Arkansas. Founded to serve the farmers, businesses and families of Mississippi County, the bank quickly became a cornerstone of the community built on integrity, sound banking principles and personal service.
More than a century later, those founding values still guide us.
A Legacy of Strength and Resilience
Established at the corner of Main and Second Street in downtown Blytheville, the bank grew alongside the Delta region it served. Under the leadership of President B.A. Lynch, Farmers Bank & Trust became the only Mississippi County bank to remain open through the Great Depression. This was a defining moment that solidified its reputation for conservative management, financial strength and unwavering commitment to its customers.
For generations, the bank supported local agriculture, small businesses and families, earning the trust of the communities it called home.
Growth with Purpose
As the financial needs of customers evolved, so did the bank. From traditional farm lending and community banking services to mobile banking, online services, instant debit cards and advanced digital tools, the institution embraced modernization while preserving local decision-making and personalized service.
In the mid-2020s, under the ownership of the Lawrence family, a strategic reorganization began. Several sister banks, each with their own long histories and legacies, were unified under one strong, cohesive brand: FM Bank & Trust.
This transformation brought together:
Each institution carried its own proud heritage, deep community ties and loyal customer base. By combining operations under the FM Bank & Trust name, the organization strengthened its financial foundation, expanded service offerings and increased convenience for customers all while maintaining local leadership and community involvement in every market.
Banking with a Mission
Many of the communities we serve are rural areas where access to financial resources has historically been limited. To better serve these communities, FM Bank & Trust became a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
CDFI designation isn’t just a title. It’s a federal recognition awarded to financial institutions that are committed to serving underserved communities with responsible lending, financial education and economic development support.
For us, that designation formalized something we had already been doing for decades:
Today, as FM Bank & Trust, we continue to invest in the growth and success of our communities. Our CDFI-certified markets allow us to bring additional resources, programs and lending opportunities into the communities that need them most.
From Local Roots to Regional Reach
Today, FM Bank & Trust serves customers across multiple locations throughout Arkansas and Missouri. While our footprint has grown, our mission has not changed.
We remain committed to relationship based banking, local decision making and community reinvestment.
Connected to Our Communities
Many of our employees live and serve in the communities where they work. You’ll find our team members actively involved in civic organizations, nonprofit initiatives, schools and community events throughout our markets, just as they have been for more than 100 years.
Because to us, banking isn’t just about transactions. It’s about building stronger communities together.
