Fran Turner's Bold New Chapter: Unveiling Make, a Fintech for the Creator Economy

Remember J. Francisco A. Turner? The name might ring a bell, especially if you followed the goings-on at Banc of California a few years back. Well, after stepping away from his high-profile roles as Interim CFO and Chief Strategy Officer there in 2017, Turner — or Fran, as some call him — has finally unveiled his latest endeavor: a fintech startup called Make. This isn't just any new company; it's a platform crafted meticulously with the modern digital entrepreneur in mind, born from an idea that first sparked to life back in 2023.

It was June 14, 2017, when Turner officially tendered his resignation from the Santa Ana-based Banc of California. The official word at the time? He was off to explore "financial technology, venture investing, and other interests." It seems he certainly wasn't idle during those intervening years, notably spending time as Managing Director at Kappa Investments and having previously held leadership roles at The Bancorp Bank. Fast forward a bit, and by 2023, the concrete vision for Make began to solidify. It wasn't an overnight sensation, mind you; this project has been a good two years in the making, a testament to careful planning and a deep understanding of an underserved market.

So, what exactly is Make? Picture this: a banking app meticulously designed for the vibrant, ever-growing world of creators, influencers, and digital entrepreneurs. These aren't your typical 9-to-5ers, are they? They need something agile, something that truly understands their unique financial flows. Make steps right in, offering multi-currency accounts – think USD, GBP, EUR – alongside really clever revenue-splitting tools. It’s all about making financial management smoother, more intuitive, for folks whose income streams can often be quite diverse and, let's be honest, a bit unpredictable at times.

And where did this innovative venture decide to set up shop? None other than the sun-drenched, strategically astute shores of Anguilla in the Caribbean, specifically within its special economic zone. An interesting choice, certainly, highlighting a global perspective from the get-go. Financially speaking, Make isn't relying on a host of early investors just yet. It's been entirely self-funded, with a reported $5 million already poured into bringing this vision to life. But, as any startup knows, growth often requires capital, so they are, quite naturally, exploring future fundraising opportunities.

It’s worth remembering, of course, that Turner’s departure from Banc of California back in 2017 wasn't without its own share of headlines. He had been a key figure, holding down both the Interim Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer roles at the time of his exit. Then, a few months later, in January 2018, some rather serious allegations surfaced from a former managing director, Heather Endresen, concerning his conduct while there. For his part, Turner "vigorously dispute[d] the allegations," a clear stance on a contentious period. Figures like Albert J. Wang stepped into the PFO and Chief Accounting Officer roles, and Douglas H. Bowers continued as CEO, navigating the bank forward. But today, the focus for Turner, it seems, is squarely on Make and its potential to revolutionize banking for the digital age.

This launch on June 28, 2026, truly marks a new chapter for Fran Turner, one where his extensive experience in traditional banking is now being channeled into solving very modern financial challenges for a whole new generation of entrepreneurs. It’s an exciting space, and Make looks poised to carve out a significant niche.