Blue Ridge Bankshares announced the anticipated closure of its mortgage banking division, transitioning its assets to Monarch Mortgage. This decision aligns with the bank's strategic focus on community banking within their primary regions. According to G. William Beale, president and CEO, the current interest rate environment necessitated excessive investment in mortgage banking, which no longer aligns with their profit-focused goals. Monarch Mortgage will still support existing loan obligations, ensuring a smooth transition for clients and staff.
Blue Ridge confirmed that the transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter, subject to customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the asset purchase and sale agreement, Monarch Mortgage will continue to fulfill its obligations to prospective borrowers about loans in progress, including guiding these loans toward closing and funding.
The decision to exit our mortgage banking division was an additional step in our strategy to refocus our efforts on community banking in our primary geographical footprint, G. William Beale, president and CEO of Blue Ridge Bankshares, said in a statement.
In the current interest rate environment, this line of business required additional investment to reach the scale needed to be a meaningful contributor to our profitability, which is not our near-term focus.
I am pleased that the Monarch Mortgage team has a wonderful opportunity with the acquiring company. I wish them a smooth transition and much success.
Collection
[
|
...
]