This week's most read content includes a Data Dispatch on Texas M&A activity in 2019 and a feature on the third de novo application of the year.

Texas Independent deal kicks off 2019 bank M&A in the Lone Star state

Bank M&A activity in Texas has increased since 2016, and Jacob Thompson, an investment banker at SAMCO Capital Markets, said more bank consolidation in the state is likely.

5 banks set to cross $10B asset threshold

Five banks are set to cross the $10 billion asset threshold as a result of pending or completed M&A activity since the end of 2018.

2 different attempts to crack the equity research nut

B. Riley FBR Inc. is focusing on small-cap names to compete in a research world facing revenue headwinds. Meanwhile, one of its former equity analysts is betting on offering independent research.

De novo banks class of 2019 — Florida-based Gulf Atlantic Bank files

Key West, Fla.-based Gulf Atlantic Bank filed the third de novo application of 2019 and the fifth application in Florida since 2018.

Regulators: Volcker rule fixes may need do-over to reflect industry comments

Leaders of three federal agencies said changes to the Volcker rule may need to be re-proposed due to the volume of industry comments and significant input from a newer regulator.