Phil Buffington Quoted by Independent Banker About Community Banks Navigating IPOS and OTC Trading

Phil Buffington, member of the firm’s Banking & Financial Services Practice, was quoted by Independent Banker in the article titled, “Growth Goals: Navigating IPOs and OTC Trading.” 

In the article published on Jan. 1, 2025, Phil discusses the importance of community banks carefully weighing the costs, regulatory burdens, and benefits when considering whether to go public or deregister.  

In the article, Phil notes that for some banks, the expense and complexity of being listed on an exchange may outweigh the benefits, leading them to consider deregistration or alternative options like over-the-counter trading. He also touches on the growth aspirations and benefits for banks that may choose to go public. 

Phil advises financial institutions throughout the United States on federal and state banking laws and regulations. For more than 30 years, he has served as a trusted advisor to community, regional and national financial institutions, helping them to assess and analyze regulatory, institutional and litigation risks. Phil counsels clients on a full range of issues, including federal and state regulatory matters, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, strategic planning, capital planning and offerings, evaluating and assisting in the development of new products and services, and responses to examinations and enforcement actions. His practice also includes commercial lending transactions, health care and insurance.

In 2024, Phil spoke at several conferences, including a presentation on succession planning at the Independent Bankers of America Annual Conference, and a presentation on the US Supreme Court overturning the Chevron Doctrine at the Alabama Bankers Association CEO Conference. He has been recognized by Mid-South Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America^®, including as a “Lawyer of the Year” and “Banking and Finance Law” in 2025 and in “Commercial Finance Law” in 2018.