Holladay Bank Founder Ronald Spratling Dies at 93

Spratling led the community-based bank for over 50 years until its acquisition in 2025.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:06pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal bank vault door, a stack of gold coins, and a pen, symbolizing the legacy and transition of community banking.The acquisition of Holladay Bank & Trust by Redemption Bank marks a new chapter in community banking in the Rocky Mountain region.Salt Lake City Today

Ronald Spratling Jr., the founder of Holladay Bank & Trust in Salt Lake City, Utah, has passed away at the age of 93. Spratling launched the community-focused bank in 1974 and led it for over 50 years until it was acquired in 2025, becoming the first Black-owned bank in the Rocky Mountain region.

Why it matters

Spratling's Holladay Bank was a rare example of a successful, long-running community bank in an era of industry consolidation. Its acquisition by Redemption Bank in 2025 marked a significant milestone, making it the first Black-owned bank in the Rockies.

The details

Spratling founded Holladay Bank & Trust in 1974, aiming to provide banking services tailored to the local community. Under his leadership, the bank grew to become a fixture in the Holladay area, serving residents and small businesses for over five decades. In 2025, Holladay Bank was acquired by Redemption Bank, making it the first Black-owned bank in the Rocky Mountain region.

  • Holladay Bank & Trust was founded by Ronald Spratling Jr. in 1974.
  • Spratling led the bank for over 50 years until its acquisition in 2025.

The players

Ronald Spratling Jr.

The founder of Holladay Bank & Trust, who launched the community-focused bank in 1974 and led it for over 50 years until its acquisition in 2025.

Redemption Bank

The bank that acquired Holladay Bank & Trust in 2025, making it the first Black-owned bank in the Rocky Mountain region.

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What they’re saying

“Ronald Spratling Jr. was a pillar of the Holladay community, and his bank was a vital resource for local residents and businesses for over half a century.”

— Lenny Springs, Board Member, Redemption Bank

The takeaway

Spratling's legacy as the founder and long-time leader of Holladay Bank & Trust underscores the importance of community-focused financial institutions, especially in an era of industry consolidation. His bank's acquisition by Redemption Bank represents a significant milestone as the first Black-owned bank in the Rocky Mountain region.