Associated Bank Unveils Major Expansion in Dallas' Commercial Banking Sector

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB), headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has announced a bold move to enhance its commercial banking presence in Dallas. As part of this initiative, the bank is forming a dedicated Corporate and Commercial Banking team, aimed at bolstering its existing Commercial Real Estate (CRE) operations in the area. With a strategic focus on Texas, this expansion is expected to attract significant business in a region identified as a high-growth market.

New Leadership and Structure

To spearhead the expansion, Brandon White has been appointed as the senior vice president and Dallas market leader for Corporate and Commercial Banking. His leadership is expected to guide the buildout of a capable commercial banking team, which will begin hiring relationship managers (RMs) imminently. According to the bank's projections, they aim to fill approximately four new positions in Texas throughout 2026.

Phillip Trier, the executive vice president and head of Corporate and Commercial Banking, emphasized the immense opportunity Dallas presents for Associated Bank: "Dallas represents a significant opportunity for Associated Bank as we continue to expand our commercial banking footprint in high-growth markets beyond the Midwest." This statement reflects the bank's confidence in leveraging its resources and expertise to meet the needs of local businesses.

Learning from Past Success

The impetus behind this expansion stems from the successful launch of Associated's commercial banking team in Kansas City, Missouri, which began operations in March 2025 without a traditional branch network. In only a year, the Kansas City branch doubled its team size and surpassed growth expectations, confirming the viability of the bank's approach to enter new markets. The Dallas expansion will utilize this successful model, suggesting that well-established, experienced local talent can drive growth in conjunction with the full services of a $50 billion institution.

Facility Expansion as Part of Growth Strategy

To support the rise of its commercial banking division, Associated Bank is also expanding its Preston Center office in Dallas, which will nearly double in size to 6,000 square feet. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed by August 2026. This will better accommodate the growing team and provide ample space for ongoing training and development.

White, who previously dedicated over 16 years to Comerica Bank, has significant experience in corporate banking, having led teams engaging with corporate clients and sports franchises. He brings this wealth of knowledge to his new role, where he intends to establish a commercially focused team to address the specific needs of businesses in Dallas.

Strategic Services for Commercial Clients

The bank's expansion is more than just a physical presence; it involves the introduction of robust deposit and treasury management services tailored to the needs of commercial clients in Texas. This initiative builds upon the launch of Associated's Specialty Deposit and Payment Solutions in 2024 and the recent addition of Eric Lien as director of Treasury Management. With these advancements, the Dallas team will offer a comprehensive array of lending, deposit, payment, and treasury solutions alongside its established CRE lending platform.

Dallas is a dynamic market, adding approximately 100,000 new jobs annually—outpacing most other major US markets. This influx of employment growth, combined with Kansas City's status as a central business hub, positions Associated to maintain a robust commercial banking presence that spans the southern and central corridors of the United States.

Conclusion

In summary, Associated Banc-Corp is making a significant investment into the Dallas market, recognizing its potential for growth and opportunity. As Brandon White leads the charge in establishing a comprehensive commercial banking strategy, the bank's commitment to building a strong local team and fostering relationships with businesses remains at the forefront of its initiatives. This exciting chapter signals the bank's dedication to delivering customized financial solutions to help North Texas businesses thrive into the future.

For more information about Associated Banc-Corp and its service offerings, visit associatedbank.com.