GREEN BAY, Wis., Sept. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) today announced plans for the expansion of its lending capabilities, growth of its core businesses, and transformation of its digital strategy. These plans include new higher-margin lending verticals and digital investments which are expected to increase the pace of growth while creating positive operating leverage and enhancing customer experience.
"Given the strength of our Midwest markets and our already solid foundation, we have a significant opportunity to strategically drive revenue growth across our core business lines while also expanding our portfolio," said Andy Harmening, president and CEO, Associated Bank. "Building on our momentum over the last 120 days and capitalizing on the strengths of our franchise, our growth focused and digital forward initiatives will position us to deliver higher shareholder returns."
Expanding our Lending Capabilities
Associated today announced the further build out of its Auto Finance vertical, the broadening of its Asset-Based Lending team and the formation of a new Equipment Finance vertical.
Growing our Core Businesses
The Company is also focused on accelerating its core Commercial Middle Market lending, enhancing its Small Business and Consumer Direct lending, and furthering its Wealth strategy. Strategic efforts to date have focused on recruiting and promoting experienced talent to drive these core initiatives.
Investing in our Digital Transformation
To further the Company's digital transformation, Associated has promoted:
Associated Bank management intends to provide additional details on its strategic plan and initiatives as part of the at the 2021 Barclays Global Financial Services Conference at 2:45 p.m. ET on Monday, September 13, 2021 and will meet with investors throughout the conference.
An investor presentation has been filed as a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission and can be accessed via Associated Banc-Corp's website at http://investor.associatedbank.com.
ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $34 billion and is Wisconsin's largest bank holding company. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from more than 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, and commercial financial services in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.
Important note regarding forward-looking statements:
Statements made in this presentation which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This includes any statements regarding management's plans, objectives, or goals for future operations, products or services, and forecasts of its revenues, earnings, or other measures of performance. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," "should," "will," "intend," "target," "outlook," "project," "guidance," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements include those identified in the Company's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent Form 10-Qs and other SEC filings, and such factors are incorporated herein by reference.
Media Contact: Jennifer Kaminski
Vice President | Public Relations Senior Manager
920-491-7576 | Jennifer.Kaminski@AssociatedBank.com
Investor Contact: Ben McCarville
Vice President | Director of Investor Relations
920-491-7059 | Ben.McCarville@AssociatedBank.com
SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp