Sunflower Bank, N.A. is expanding its wealth and risk advisory capabilities with the launch of Sunflower Insurance Solutions Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary aimed at business owners and high-net-worth families.
Based in Dallas, Sunflower Bank had $8.5 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2025, with 71 licensed depository branches across seven states and mortgage capabilities in 44 states, giving the new unit a broad commercial and private-wealth footprint to tap.
The move aligns with a wider trend of regional banks building insurance platforms to deepen wallet share with closely held businesses and affluent clients, particularly around succession, liquidity and estate planning.
“The launch of Sunflower Insurance Solutions marks an exciting step in expanding our ability to deliver comprehensive financial strategies,” said John Sawyer, director of private banking and wealth management at Sunflower Bank. “We are equally pleased to welcome Catherine Runge, director of insurance strategies, to lead this initiative. Her 20-plus years of expertise and client-focused approach will be instrumental in building innovative insurance solutions that complement our wealth management offerings.”
Sunflower Insurance Solutions will target both corporate and personal needs. For business owner clients, the focus will include key person and buy/sell planning, executive benefits, corporate benefit programs and liquidity strategies designed to support operational continuity and talent retention. For individual and family clients, the offerings will include life, long-term care and disability coverage, alongside estate planning and generational wealth transfer solutions.
To bolster technical depth and market access, Sunflower Insurance Solutions has entered into a strategic partnership with Lion Street, an Austin-based financial services company.
Under the partnership, Sunflower Insurance will gain access to Lion Street's network of independent firms and resources to allow the delivery of sophisticated planning solutions for its clients. As of 2025, Lion Street has more than $114 billion of life insurance benefits in force and more than $8 billion of cash value.
Bob Carter, founder and CEO of Lion Street, expressed his excitement over the partnership.
"We are pleased to welcome Sunflower Insurance solutions to the Lion Street Community. Their commitment to delivering client-centered, comprehensive insurance and wealth planning strategies aligns greatly with our mission," he said. "This partnership permits powerful capabilities in advanced planning expertise, access to carriers, technology, and resources to serve sophisticated business owners and high-net-worth families at the highest level."
