Kansas City, Missouri, January 14, 2026
Kansas City’s investment banking scene is shifting with the launch of Turnstone Investment Banking, previously known as CC Capital Advisors. This change marks the firm’s transition to independence from Country Club Bank, emphasizing a commitment to tailored services for local businesses. With over 100 years of collective experience, the firm aims to provide specialized advisory services to family-owned and founder-led businesses within the Midwest, fostering economic growth and resilience in the region.
Kansas City Firm Goes Independent: Turnstone Investment Banking Emerges
Kansas City’s dynamic business landscape continues to evolve, marked by stories of entrepreneurial spirit and strategic growth. A recent development highlights this trend as a long-standing local investment banking group embarks on an independent path, signaling a new chapter for both the firm and the broader Kansas City MO business community. This move underscores the determination of Missouri MO entrepreneurs to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing economic environment.
The transition reflects a commitment to tailored services and focused expertise, which can often be a hallmark of nimble, independent operations. Such shifts are integral to the ongoing economic growth of the region, empowering local businesses and fostering an environment where specialized advisory services can flourish, ultimately benefiting a wide array of Kansas City small businesses and larger enterprises seeking strategic financial guidance.
A New Chapter for Investment Banking in the Midwest
After a 15-year tenure, CC Capital Advisors, previously known as the investment banking arm of Country Club Bank, has transitioned to full independence and rebranded as Turnstone Investment Banking. The firm officially announced its rebrand on January 8, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its history. This strategic separation occurred in September, positioning the firm for renewed focus and autonomy.
The roots of the firm trace back to 1994 when it was founded as Christenberry Collet & Co. Its initial mission was to provide strategic and financial advice of a caliber comparable to Wall Street firms, specifically tailored for family and founder-owned businesses across the Midwest. In 2009, the firm joined Country Club Bank, operating under the name CC Capital Advisors for a decade and a half.
Strategic Independence and Enhanced Focus
The decision to return to independence and rebrand as Turnstone Investment Banking is driven by a desire for renewed entrepreneurial freedom and an evolving approach to meet the specific needs of lower middle-market business owners. This strategic shift allows the firm greater flexibility to innovate and refine its service offerings, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the investment banking sector in Kansas City and beyond.
This autonomy can provide several advantages, including the ability to offer more personalized services and maintain a client-centric approach without the structural constraints sometimes associated with larger banking affiliations. Such independence is often celebrated in the business world as it can foster greater agility and responsiveness to market dynamics, ultimately enhancing value for clients.
Expertise and Core Services of Turnstone Investment Banking
Turnstone Investment Banking brings a wealth of experience to its independent operations. The team, under the leadership of Managing Director John Hense, collectively boasts over 100 years of investment banking experience. This deep expertise is crucial in navigating complex financial transactions and providing robust advisory services.
The firm specializes in several key areas, including Sell-Side Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisory, Buy-Side M&A advisory, Capital Raising, and Corporate Finance advisory. These services are designed to offer institutional-quality advice and execution to family- and founder-led businesses throughout the Midwest and other regions. They guide clients through crucial financial events, which often represent the culmination of a lifetime of work for business owners.
Serving Diverse Industries for Regional Economic Growth
Turnstone Investment Banking maintains a broad industry focus, demonstrating its versatility and commitment to supporting various sectors vital to regional economic growth. The industries served include industrials, business services and technology, construction and engineering, consumer products and services, agribusiness and animal health, and power, telecom, and infrastructure services.
By providing specialized advisory services across these diverse sectors, Turnstone Investment Banking plays a direct role in facilitating transactions that can lead to job creation, capital investment, and overall economic expansion within the Kansas City MO business landscape. Their work supports the health and vitality of a wide range of enterprises, from emerging Missouri MO entrepreneurs to established Kansas City small business entities.
Country Club Bank’s Transition
The independence of CC Capital Advisors occurred against the backdrop of a larger institutional change for its former parent. FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha) announced an agreement to acquire CCB Financial Corp, the parent company of Country Club Bank, in May 2025. This acquisition subsequently closed on October 1, 2025.
Following the completion of the merger, FNBO significantly expanded its footprint, overseeing nearly $35 billion in assets and employing approximately 4,800 people Nationwide. Country Club Bank’s 20 branch locations across Kansas and Missouri were integrated into FNBO’s existing network. Furthermore, Country Club Bank’s Capital Markets business was integrated into Northland Securities, Inc., a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, Inc.
Looking Ahead: Resilience and Innovation in Kansas City
The re-emergence of Turnstone Investment Banking as an independent entity reflects the enduring entrepreneurial spirit prevalent in Kansas City. This move exemplifies how local firms strategically adapt to market changes, seeking structures that best enable them to serve their clients and contribute to regional prosperity. By focusing on specialized advisory services and leveraging deep industry expertise, Turnstone is poised to continue playing a key role in the success stories of family and founder-owned businesses.
As the Kansas City business environment continues to thrive, fueled by innovation and the dedication of its entrepreneurs, supporting local businesses and staying informed about their strategic developments remains essential for fostering sustained economic growth. The journey of Turnstone Investment Banking highlights the resilience and forward-thinking approach that define the best of Kansas City’s commercial sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Turnstone Investment Banking?
Turnstone Investment Banking is the new name for CC Capital Advisors, which was formerly the investment banking arm of Country Club Bank. It has returned to full independence.
When did CC Capital Advisors become independent and rebrand?
CC Capital Advisors rebranded as Turnstone Investment Banking after exiting Country Club Bank in September. The firm officially announced its rebrand on January 8, 2026.
How long was CC Capital Advisors part of Country Club Bank?
CC Capital Advisors operated under Country Club Bank for fifteen years, joining in 2009.
What services does Turnstone Investment Banking offer?
Turnstone Investment Banking offers Sell-Side M&A advisory, Buy-Side M&A advisory, Capital Raising, and Corporate Finance advisory.
What happened to Country Club Bank?
FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha) announced an agreement to acquire CCB Financial Corp, the parent company of Country Club Bank, in May 2025. The acquisition closed on October 1, 2025.
Key Features of Turnstone Investment Banking’s Transition
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Identity | CC Capital Advisors, investment banking arm of Country Club Bank | Local |
| New Identity | Turnstone Investment Banking | Local |
| Date of Independence | September | Local |
| Rebrand Announcement | January 8, 2026 | Local |
| Years with Country Club Bank | 15 years (joined in 2009) | Local |
| Core Services | Sell-Side M&A advisory, Buy-Side M&A advisory, Capital Raising, Corporate Finance advisory | Local, Midwest, Beyond |
| Target Clients | Lower middle-market, family- and founder-owned businesses | Local, Midwest, Beyond |
| Parent Bank Acquisition | Country Club Bank acquired by FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha) | Local to Nationwide impact |
| FNBO Assets Post-Acquisition | Nearly $35 billion | Nationwide |
| FNBO Employees Post-Acquisition | Approximately 4,800 people | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
