Banking & Finance

Jun 10, 2026

Banks See NC Branch ‘renaissance’

By Eric Williamson, posted Jun 10, 2026

More than 6,000 commercial banking locations across the United States closed in the past five years, the Wall Street Journal reported in January. But banks such as JPMorgan Chase are bucking the trend. In February, the lender announced it would be opening more than 160 branches in 30 states this year alone. That includes multiple locations in the Wilmington area. Pet ...

May 28, 2026

NCino Reports First Quarter Earnings, Leans Into AI Banking

By Cierra Noffke, posted May 28, 2026

Wilmington-based nCino held an earnings call for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, reporting revenue growth above expectations set in March.  According to Sean Desmond, nCino's CEO and president, the company outperformed guidance across all key metrics, including subscription revenue growth and non-GAAP operating margin.  The cl ...

May 18, 2026

Southern Bank Announces Leadership Changes

By Cece Nunn, posted May 18, 2026

Southern Bank, the Mount Olive-based community bank that opened a loan production office in Wilmington in 2016, recently announced leadership changes. Paul McCombie, who has led the bank’s Wilmington team for a decade, is moving into the role of regional executive, overseeing both Wilmington and Raleigh. “Paul brings considerable market expertise and lead ...

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Janet Kane
Cape Fear REALTORS

Cape Fear Buyers See More Options as Active Listings Reach New Highs

Posted Jun 1, 2026
THE SUMMARY: The Cape Fear housing market entered the spring season with fresh momentum in April, as active listingsclimbed, closed sales increased, and median sales prices continued to rise. The latest market data showsbuyers are seeing the most options in recent months, while steady sales activity points to continueddemand across the region. With inventory expanding and market pace showing signs...read entire article
May 13, 2026

Live Oak Bank has terminated a state incentive agreement that would have paid the company $1.5 million for hitting specific investment and hiring targets. North Carolina’s Economic Investment Committee approved the termination of Live Oak’s $1.5 million Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) on Tuesday. Under the grant, which was awarded in 2022, the compan ...

Apr 23, 2026

Wilmington-based Live Oak Bancshares reported positive first-quarter earnings that beat analyst expectations this week, even as revenue declined from the previous quarter.  The company posted a net income of $29.9 million, with diluted earnings per share of $0.60, above Zacks Equity Research analysts' estimate of $0.54. Revenue decreased 15.9% from the pre ...

Apr 20, 2026

Chase Bank Branch Proposed Near Hanover Center

By Emma Dill, posted Apr 20, 2026

A Chase Bank is proposed on the site of the former Talbots store at Hanover Center in Wilmington, according to city records. The proposed project would include the removal of the current building at 3607 Oleander Drive and the development of an approximately 3,400-square-foot Chase Bank with a drive-thru ATM, according to a major site plan application submitted to the c ...

Apr 10, 2026

NCino Touts Role-based AI Agents As Competitive Edge

By Cierra Noffke, posted Apr 10, 2026

nCino’s artificial intelligence agents have played a pivotal role in the company’s recent success, according to officials.  The Wilmington-based cloud banking software company reported its fiscal year 2026 results last week, with total revenue rising 10% year over year. Officials attributed part of that success to AI automation and efficiency.  ...

Apr 7, 2026

Wilmington-based Live Oak Bank is perhaps best known as one of the largest small-business lenders in the country, as well as an incubator for the region’s tech startups.  But the bank’s philanthropy, specifically grants supporting workforce development, has become central to the company’s identity as one of the region’s community anchors.&nb ...

Apr 1, 2026

Wilmington-based nCino reported strong fiscal year 2026 results, with fourth-quarter results up 6% year-over-year, officials announced on an earnings call this week. The cloud banking software company was swept up in stock market volatility beginning in February, mirroring share price declines across the software-as-a-service (SaaS) industry, and its stock has ...

Mar 4, 2026

Wilmington-based nCino has gotten swept up in stock market volatility.  Shares of the cloud banking software company have fallen in recent weeks, mirroring declines across the software-as-a-service (SaaS) industry. Although investor concerns that AI advancements will disrupt the software business model continue to weigh on the sector, analysts predict that nCino&rs ...

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In The Current Issue

Studio Owner Shares Love Of Dance

After working as an instructor for others, he opted to work for himself and is the owner of Fred Astaire Dance Studios locations in Wilmingt...


Local Artists Seek Stronger Support, Space, Coordination To Thrive

Some artists say that while the area's art scene is vibrant, they could use more community support....


Convenience Stores Expand Offerings

Some locally owned convenience stores in Wilmington have morphed into food and beverage destinations, including Bevvy Mart and Front Street...

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