Sign in

    Naira Behan • Hovde Group

    Naira Behan is a Vice President and Equity Research Analyst at Hovde Group, specializing in financial services coverage with a particular focus on community and regional banks. She covers companies such as Independent Bank Group, Bank OZK, and Western Alliance Bancorporation, and is noted for her in-depth research and insightful investment recommendations. Joining Hovde Group in 2021 after previous experience at KBW (Keefe, Bruyette & Woods), she has developed a strong reputation for her analytical rigor and accuracy, with performance metrics showing above-average success rates in analyst rankings. Naira Behan holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses, underscoring her professionalism and commitment to industry standards.

    Naira Behan's questions to Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp (MCB) leadership

    Naira Behan's questions to Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp (MCB) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Naira Behan of Hovde Group inquired about performance trends in the nonowner-occupied CRE portfolio, opportunities for deposit growth across specific verticals, and the current competitive pressures on both the loan and deposit sides of the business.

    Answer

    Executive Mark DeFazio stated that the nonowner-occupied CRE book is 'fairly diversified' and stable. He emphasized that MCB sees significant runway within its existing deposit verticals and is developing new organic initiatives for future growth, leveraging its 'branch-light' model. On competition, DeFazio confidently and humorously remarked, 'You don't see any competition in New York City,' indicating a strong market position.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI