Bank / Credit Union

First Federal Bank to acquire NOLA Lending Group

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January 14, 2026

First Federal Bank entered an agreement with Fidelity Bank to acquire its mortgage division: NOLA Lending Group. It will serve Fidelity customers in locations throughout Louisiana, according to a press release.

With this acquisition, First Federal aims to improve its retail mortgage services and it will retain most NOLA Lending Group's employees. It will also maintain the group's branding.

"The NOLA Lending team uses largely the same technology as First Federal, which will make the transition simple for employees and customers," Doug Brendel, residential division president, First Federal Bank, said in the release.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with a partner that will continue to allow our talented and dedicated team to focus on delivering exceptional mortgage banking solutions to customers in our core markets," Chris Ferris, president and CEO of Fidelity Bank, said in the release. "Fidelity Bank's strategic plan for 2026 includes a renewed focus on sound execution of banking, which will support shareholder value."