Signature Bank reveals bilingual bank brand, Banco Sí

Signature Bank of Arkansas announced Friday (May 13) that Banco Sí will be the name for its bilingual bank in downtown Rogers.

Banco Sí will be located at 114 S. First St. and joins the Bank of Brinkley as a division of Signature Bank of Arkansas. It’s expected to open this summer.

“We put a considerable amount of thought into the branding of this bank,” said Tori Bogner, vice president of marketing. “Ultimately, Sí became the perfect choice, not only because it radiates positivity to a segment of the market who has historically been told ‘no’ where finances are concerned, but also because the first two letters of Signature are Si.” Sí means yes in Spanish.

According to a news release, Signature Bank has filed for use of the fictitious name Banco Sí at the 3,966-square-foot location that’s pending approval. The building was built in 1906 and was the location for Rogers’ first financial institution, The Bank of Rogers. The interior space will honor the building’s original mahogany features, marble baseboards and mosaic tile floor.

Bogner said the bank is expected to have 10 employees and is currently hiring for multiple positions. Banco Sí will be the first dedicated bilingual bank in Arkansas, and all staff will be bilingual, speaking English and Spanish, the release shows. The bank will serve Banco Sí and existing Signature Bank customers.

Francisco Herrero will be president of Banco Sí. Herrero, whose title will be changed from president for multicultural banking, started in December.

“The momentum behind this banking effort is huge,” Herrero said. “We are doing more than providing translations during transactions. We are providing an immersive experience for minority communities to feel included. We are dedicated to truly serving our communities and look forward to unveiling more details when we are fully open for business.”

A bank advisory board has been established comprising 100% Hispanic members, including area and corporate businesses in Northwest Arkansas. Their input will provide insight to the community as the bank adds staff, products and marketing.

Recently, Signature Bank partnered with Fayetteville-based professional development firm Serve2Perform in an initiative to prepare and place Hispanic members on the bank’s market advisory boards. The LatinXNA Board Placement Initiative was one of the first initiatives undertaken by Herrero.

Earlier this year, Signature Bank released plans to launch a new market employing bilingual staff in downtown Rogers. Bogner previously said the planned Rogers location should be considered the headquarters for the new market as the bank works to add more bilingual staff in other area locations.

The grand opening for Banco Sí is planned for September during Hispanic Heritage Month. Fayetteville-based White River Bancshares Co. is the holding company for Signature Bank. It has locations in Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, Brinkley, Rogers, Harrison and Jonesboro.