George Gleason on economic turbulence
From Bank OZK CEO Reveals How to Grow in Uncertain Times · · Policy And Taxation Group
“In times of economic turbulence, the greatest opportunities often arise, and success depends on having great management, sufficient capital, and liquidity to capitalize on those opportunities.”
On , George Gleason, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at BANK OZK, spoke about economic turbulence during Bank OZK CEO Reveals How to Grow in Uncertain Times on Policy And Taxation Group.
About George Gleason
George Gleason, chairman and CEO of Bank OZK, said in a November 2025 podcast that the current economic environment is "the most uncertain time" he has experienced in his 46-year tenure, citing "the largest standard deviation in potential outcomes and the largest tail risk both directions." He stated that the biggest risk is the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates "too much and too quickly," which he said could reignite inflation and force sharp rate increases later. Gleason also emphasized that the bank's approach to real estate lending involves low leverage, with an average loan-to-project cost of about 50% and an average loan-to-appraised value of 46%, and that the bank focuses on large projects with "high quality sponsorship." In earlier appearances, Gleason discussed the bank's performance during industry turmoil. He stated that 2023 was "business as usual" for Bank OZK despite the regional banking crisis, noting that the bank had a record year with net income up 23% and loans and deposits each growing over 27%. He attributed this to the bank being "very well prepared" for the interest rate environment, while other banks were "very unprepared." Gleason also said that the bank's market share in commercial real estate lending is increasing because many competitors have pulled out of the space, and that the bank's portfolio is holding up well due to its low leverage and focus on newer, more desirable properties.