Bank hires boost commercial expansion at Associated Bank
Associated Bank Expands Commercial Presence in Key Regions
Associated Bank, a financial institution known for its technology and talent, is focusing on expansion in its commercial banking segment. The bank's strategy involves targeted market entry and hiring in key regions such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and other markets.
Recent hires include three relationship managers in Kansas City, Missouri, who previously worked at U.S. Bank. The bank aims to take advantage of sizable opportunities in Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Twin Cities, and could potentially expand in Dallas, Houston, and Cincinnati on the commercial side.
The bank's strategy for growth is rooted in relationship-focused lending and broad market expansion. This approach is evident in its strong Q2 2025 financial performance, with net income rising to $108 million and record quarterly net interest income of $300 million, showing a 17% increase year-over-year.
Management's updated guidance projects 5-6% loan growth and 1-3% deposit growth in 2025, highlighting the bank's intention to expand its credit and client base. Industry insights suggest that business owners and commercial clients are cautiously optimistic about business expansion plans, aligning with Associated Bank's commercial efforts to support such growth as conditions stabilize.
The bank is also pursuing a shift towards higher-yielding, relationship-focused lending complemented by deposit growth. This strategy facilitates sustained margin improvements and commercial growth.
While direct recent news on hiring in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas is limited in the latest sources, these states represent part of Associated Bank's ongoing market expansion in commercial banking, consistent with its regional growth ambitions and client acquisition efforts.
Once non-solicit agreements expire, the bankers have long-existing, long-standing relationships and have earned the trust and respect of their clients over many years. Phil Trier, the head of corporate and commercial banking at Associated, previously spent more than two decades at U.S. Bank, bringing valuable experience to his role.
Associated Bank's strategy, supported by strong financial results, positions it well for scaling its commercial operations as it continues to focus on expansion and client relationship building.
[1] Associated Bank Q2 2025 Earnings Release [2] Business Owners Forum, 2025 [4] Associated Bank Investor Presentation, 2025
- Associated Bank is leveraging technology and talent to invest in expanding its commercial operations, targeting key regions like Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Chicago, Milwaukee, Twin Cities, Dallas, Houston, and Cincinnati, aiming to capitalize on sizable business opportunities.
- The bank's growth strategy involves focusing on relationship-focused lending, broad market expansion, and higher-yielding commercial deals, with the intention of growing its credit and client base, while simultaneously working towards sustained margin improvements and commercial growth.
