Peapack-Gladstone Bank Appoints Michael Anthony Guarino as Senior Vice President and Attorney to Strengthen New York Market Position

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation and Peapack-Gladstone Bank have appointed Michael Anthony Guarino, Esq. as Senior Vice President and Attorney, a strategic hire that underscores the bank's commitment to strengthening its legal and compliance capabilities during expansion in the New York market. Based at the bank's headquarters in Bedminster, New Jersey, and its new location at 300 Park Avenue, New York City, Guarino brings over 25 years of financial services experience to address legal issues arising from the company's New York office and support executive teams on legal and policy matters.

This appointment comes at a crucial time as Peapack-Gladstone Bank seeks to enhance its position in the competitive New York financial market. Guarino's extensive background in regulatory risk assessment, compliance management, fraud and AML investigations, and vendor management will be invaluable in navigating the complex legal landscape of the banking industry. His prior senior positions at prominent financial institutions, including most recently as Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel at Metropolitan Commercial Bank, provide diverse experience in legal and compliance functions that align with the bank's growth objectives.

Guarino's educational credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Political Science, and Pre-Law from Rutgers University and a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall Law School with a concentration in Banking, UCC Business, Trusts, and International Law. His multilingual skills in Spanish and Italian enhance his ability to serve a diverse client base, while his membership in both the New Jersey and New York Bars provides comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks in both states. Certifications as a Certified Compliance Manager (ICB) and Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) underscore his expertise in regulatory compliance, a critical area for banks operating in today's highly regulated environment.

The addition of Guarino aligns with Peapack-Gladstone Bank's client-centric approach to banking, as the institution with $6.5 billion in total assets and $11.5 billion in assets under management and/or administration as of June 30, 2024, leverages his expertise to enhance offerings of high-quality products and innovative wealth management, investment banking, and commercial and retail solutions. This appointment is particularly significant for Peapack Private, a division offering comprehensive financial, tax, fiduciary, and investment advice to individuals, families, privately held businesses, family offices, and not-for-profit organizations, where Guarino's legal acumen will support the division's mission to help clients establish, maintain, and expand their legacy.

As Peapack-Gladstone Bank continues to grow and adapt to the evolving financial landscape, this strategic move strengthens its legal and compliance infrastructure, enhancing the bank's ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while reinforcing its commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to diverse clientele. The appointment represents a calculated investment in specialized expertise that positions the bank for sustainable expansion in competitive markets, addressing both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic objectives in an increasingly regulated industry.