NATCHEZ — Federal and state regulators have approved the expansion of Louisiana-based Delta Bank into Mississippi.

In a news release Tuesday, Delta Bank announced the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved the bank’s plans for a full-service branch in Natchez.

The branch, which will be located at 507 John R. Junkin Drive, is expected to open this summer, and will offer a full line of financial products and services.

Natchez resident Will Devening will lead the Natchez branch.

Devening said the John R. Junkin Drive address — near the intersection of Homochitto Street and Lower Woodville Road — would be a temporary location, with a permanent location following in 18 months to two years.

“When I started at Delta Bank, I asked to see a list of our Natchez customers, and I was floored at how big that list was, so obviously it made sense to put a branch here in Natchez to service those customers,” Devening said.

“Us moving into Natchez is really a way of giving back to the people who have been loyal customers for many years. They travel that bridge several times a week to come make deposits, so this is a way to build a branch that is convenient for them.”

Delta Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Haworth said Delta Bank has met the financial needs of customers throughout the Miss-Lou — including Natchez — for a long time, especially with agricultural lending.

“Now, with Will (Devening) positioned in that market, we’ll have a Natchez location led by a banker who is committed to customer service and wants his customers to succeed,” Haworth said.

Delta Bank had $245 million in total assets as of Dec. 31.

It has branches in Vidalia, Ferriday, Tallulah and Lake Providence.