Martin Noto, who has earned the respect of his peers in the banking industry, will receive the prestigious Banker of the Year Award from the Tarrant County Bankers Association during its annual award luncheon on Tuesday, November 18, at Shady Oaks Country Club. Noto serves as President & Chief Lending Officer for Ciera Bank, which holds the distinction of being the only bank with two recipients actively working in the industry.
Charlie Powell, CEO of Ciera Bank, and the 2011 honoree, praised Noto’s impact: “Martin has helped Ciera Bank remain true to our customer relationship roots while driving outstanding growth in loans and deposits since 2023. His powerful relationships have attracted customers who have trusted him throughout his 42-year career.” Powell adds, “Martin is a leader in our community, having chaired the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and being involved with such essential organizations as Downtown Fort Worth Inc., the Fort Worth Symphony, the Salvation Army, and the United Way. Martin has consistently demonstrated that banking is more than just dollars and cents; it’s about investing in people and our communities. “He is well-known for being approachable and authentic, and he has mentored dozens of bankers whose careers have benefited from his guidance and counsel. Among these are current bank presidents in the Fort Worth-Dallas area.”
Noto is a graduate of the University of North Texas, and he serves on the board of the Center for Real Estate at TCU, where he mentors students. He entered the banking sector in the 1980s, a time of disruption in the financial services and energy industries. As the energy and financial service categories began to experience better times, Noto focused on becoming a real estate lender. One of his early career highlights occurred when he was among the first lenders for a new company called Hillwood, providing funds for three buildings in the early 1990s. He has helped finance additional Hillwood projects over the years. “Before Alliance was anything as large as it is now, I could recognize and appreciate its potential,” says Noto. “The Hillwood team taught me that this would become more than a real estate project; it would become a massive job generator.”
When asked his philosophy on banking, he adds, “Relationships drive everything. Once customers see you are authentic and you’re invested in their success both personally and professionally, they trust you even more. Trust drives business success and strengthens relationships.”
Noto learned the focus of “Service Above Self” when he was a member of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth. He saw that an inspirational slogan means nothing until you put it into action with a strong commitment. That commitment was put to the test when Noto chaired the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce in 2020, during the start of the pandemic. Instead of focusing on the strategic plan for business growth and economic development, he helped lead the Chamber to pivot and become a resource for its members, assisting them through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were constantly resourcing bulk purchases of masks, gloves, and COVID-19 tests. We were checking every potential resource while sharing hot links and other timely information for our members. While I didn’t have the typical chairman’s experience, I do feel that the Fort Worth Chamber performed admirably in serving our members and even non-members, given our close-knit community. The team worked exhausting hours to do their regular jobs while also serving in this emergency capacity.”
Ciera Bank has developed a reputation for providing financing for small businesses, real estate, and commercial developments that are seen throughout the Fort Worth area. When asked about his priorities, Martin Noto knows who he is. “My first priority is my faith, followed by my family, and then my work. I treat others like I want to be treated, and I’ll put my integrity over whether I can profit from a financial transaction.”
Noto’s banking career began with Bank One, which later merged with J.P. Morgan Chase. He played leadership roles with BBVA Compass Bank and Community Trust Bank. He established the Fort Worth Region in his capacity as President/CEO of First Financial Bank before joining Inwood National Bank in 2019. He joined Ciera Bank in 2023 as President & Chief Lending Officer.
This Tuesday, November 18, Martin Noto will receive the ultimate early Christmas gift – Tarrant County Banker of the Year, a career-defining honor.
