This is not just a symbolic acquisition. The move represents a growing trend among fintech founders who are choosing to own banking infrastructure rather than simply partnering with it. Most fintech startups rely on partnerships with licensed banks to provide services like money movement, account management, or lending. But Buckley is following in the footsteps of other fintech pioneers who believe that owning a bank provides unmatched flexibility, control, and regulatory standing.
A comparable precedent is William Hockey, co-founder of Plaid, who quietly acquired a small bank in California in 2021 and used it to launch Column — a “banking-as-a-service” platform that now supports many fintech operations under one roof. Buckley’s company, Increase, has a similar mission: it helps fintechs and financial institutions send, receive, and reconcile payments via APIs. By owning a piece of the regulated infrastructure, Buckley is positioning Increase to build a more vertically integrated and resilient product suite.
Industry experts see this as the next evolution in fintech. While the first wave focused on digital interfaces and user experience, the current wave aims to rewire the backend — including gaining banking charters, payment licenses, and clearing capabilities. Acquiring a community bank offers a shortcut past the years-long process of applying for a new bank charter.
The implications for the industry are significant. Buckley’s purchase could encourage more fintech startups to consider acquiring community banks, especially those struggling with legacy tech or capital needs. It also signals to regulators that fintechs are willing to play by the rules and invest in licensed, regulated frameworks rather than circumventing them.
As Increase continues to expand its services, Buckley’s move may offer it a competitive edge by reducing dependency on third-party banks. The Twin City Bank deal could act as a testing ground for how fintechs can own, upgrade, and operate legacy banking institutions — potentially turning sleepy regional banks into engines of modern financial infrastructure.
