Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation and Peapack-Gladstone Bank announced the appointment of 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 its 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 from the 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 background in regulatory risk assessment, compliance management, fraud and AML investigations, and vendor management will be invaluable in navigating the complex legal landscape of banking. His prior senior roles include serving as Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel at Metropolitan Commercial Bank, with additional experience at Israel Discount Bank of New York, First Fidelity, First Union Bank, and Chase Manhattan Bank, providing diverse legal and compliance expertise.
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 diverse clients, while his membership in both the New Jersey and New York Bars provides comprehensive understanding of state legal frameworks. Certifications as a Certified Compliance Manager (ICB) and Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) further underscore his regulatory expertise, critical for banks operating in today's highly regulated environment.
The addition aligns with Peapack-Gladstone Bank's client-centric approach, 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 Guarino's expertise to enhance offerings of high-quality products and innovative wealth management, investment banking, and commercial and retail solutions. This is particularly significant for Peapack Private, a division offering comprehensive financial, tax, fiduciary, and investment advice, where Guarino's legal acumen will support clients in establishing, maintaining, and expanding their legacy.
As the bank grows and adapts to the evolving financial landscape, this appointment represents a strategic move to strengthen legal and compliance infrastructure, enhancing ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while reinforcing commitment to exceptional service and innovative solutions for diverse clientele. The bank's expansion efforts and regulatory challenges in New York make this hire a pivotal development for maintaining competitive advantage and operational integrity.
