Question 1

What is UNICO Bank?

Accepted Answer

UNICO Bank is a community-focused commercial bank serving small communities across southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas. With over $500 million in assets and 15 full-service branches, the bank specializes in traditional retail and commercial banking services tailored to rural and small-town markets. Operating as a subsidiary of Washco Bancshares, Inc., UNICO Bank holds FDIC certificate number 10608 and is classified as a state-chartered commercial bank supervised by the FDIC.

The bank's name "UNICO" derives from the Latin word "uni" meaning one and the abbreviation "co" for company, translating to "one company" — a reflection of its unified approach to community banking.

Question 2

When was UNICO Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

UNICO Bank traces its origins to July 1, 1901, when it was chartered as Irondale Bank in Irondale, Missouri. The institution was founded with just $10,000 in capital by a board of directors including Jennie T. Forster, George J. Cole, Jonathan Wishon, J.I. Robinson, J.W. Yeargain, W.E. Matkin, A.T. Nixon, and P.S. Cole.

Throughout its history, the bank experienced several ownership changes. In March 1959, Henry Akers purchased the bank from Mr. and Mrs. William Jamison. In 1967, Jim Crisman became President and later owner. Leon and Barbara Brinkley purchased Irondale Bank in 1980, with Leon assuming the roles of President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board.

The modern UNICO Bank was formed on January 15, 2000, when Irondale Bank merged with Unico Bank, Federal Savings Bank of Kennett, Missouri. This merger created a unified institution that has continued to expand throughout the region under the Brinkley family's ownership for over 30 years. Jonathan Mays became President in 2013 and was named President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board in 2016 following Leon Brinkley's passing.

Question 3

Where is UNICO Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

UNICO Bank is headquartered at 625 Veterans Drive in Mineral Point, Missouri 63660, located in Washington County. The bank relocated its main office to this location on July 24, 2008. This headquarters also serves as the official charter location for the institution and operates as the Potosi Branch serving the local community.

Question 4

Where does UNICO Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

UNICO Bank operates 15 full-service branches across two states, with seven locations in Missouri and eight in Arkansas. The bank strategically focuses on small communities and rural markets in southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas.

Missouri locations include Mineral Point (headquarters), Bismarck, Desloge, Farmington, Park Hills, Kennett, and a presence in St. Francois County and Washington County.

Arkansas locations span Harrisburg, Jonesboro (two branches), Lake City, Marked Tree, Paragould (three branches), and Trumann. The Arkansas expansion began in 1990 and has grown significantly, with new branches added in Jonesboro in 2018 and 2022, and Lake City in 2016.

Question 5

What services does UNICO Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

UNICO Bank provides a comprehensive range of traditional banking services designed for individuals, families, and businesses in small communities. Core offerings include savings accounts, checking accounts (including no-service-charge options), certificates of deposit, and safety deposit boxes.

The bank offers various loan products including personal loans, commercial loans, agricultural loans, and real estate financing. UNICO Bank emphasizes competitive interest rates on deposit accounts and attractive loan rates tailored to community needs.

Digital banking services include online banking accessible through the bank's website at www.unicobank.com and the Mobiliti™ mobile banking app available on iOS and Android platforms. The mobile app enables customers to check account balances, view transactions, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and locate ATMs and branch locations using existing online banking credentials.

UNICO Bank provides access to 40,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through the MoneyPass ATM network, enhancing convenience for customers traveling outside the bank's primary service area. The institution also offers bill pay services and funds transfer capabilities through its digital channels.

Question 6

What makes UNICO Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

UNICO Bank distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to serving small, rural communities that are often underserved by larger financial institutions. The bank's tagline reflects this mission: "dedicated to helping small communities thrive with banking solutions tailored to your needs."

The institution's remarkable growth story sets it apart — from a single location with $10,000 in assets in 1901 to 15 branches with over $500 million in assets today. This expansion demonstrates the bank's ability to grow while maintaining its community-banking roots and personalized service approach.

UNICO Bank maintains strong financial performance indicators, with a return on assets (ROA) of 1.17% and return on equity (ROE) of 14.78%, reflecting sound management and operational efficiency. The bank's focus on commercial lending specialization allows it to understand and meet the unique needs of small businesses and agricultural enterprises in its service territories.

The institution actively engages with local communities through social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, keeping customers informed about banking news and community initiatives. With a history spanning more than 120 years of continuous operation and family ownership for over three decades, UNICO Bank combines heritage with adaptability to modern banking needs.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is UNICO Bank?

Accepted Answer

UNICO Bank is classified as a Commercial Bank with a state charter, operating as a Fed nonmember bank supervised by the FDIC. This classification means the bank holds a state banking charter issued by Missouri rather than a federal charter, and it is not a member of the Federal Reserve System.

As a commercial bank, UNICO Bank accepts deposits from the public, makes loans, and provides a broad range of financial services to both individual consumers and business customers. The institution specializes in commercial lending, making it particularly well-suited to serve the business, agricultural, and commercial real estate needs of its predominantly rural service area.

The bank operates as a subsidiary of Washco Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company, which allows for strategic oversight while maintaining the community bank identity and local decision-making that customers value.

UNICO Bank

in the United States 🇺🇸

Crypto-Friendliness

All done!

About UNICO Bank in the United States