Aquesta Bank scouting for Huntersville location

Aquesta Bank is scouting locations for a new Huntersville branch, its first in the town and fifth overall, the bank told the Observer on Tuesday.

The Cornelius-based commercial bank also announced two new additions to its lending team, including one who will bring a new focus on retail loans.

They're the latest moves for a bank that's shifted "from defensive banking to a focus on growth," as CEO Jim Engel put it in a news release Tuesday.

The bank's shares began trading over the counter in June. Last month, it offered its first stock dividend. In the past year, it's also hired back its marketing director and opened a fourth branch in Mooresville. Later this year, it plans to roll out mobile banking.

The two new hires come from rival BlueHarbor bank, which is based in Mooresville.

John Reeves is now vice president and commercial loan officer covering Davidson.

Rick Eveson joins Aqusta as vice president and retail lending executive, a new focus for the bank. He will offer home equity, construction and residential loans to potential homebuyers and realtors.