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Washington Trust Achieves Recognition by American Banker

In a significant achievement that underscores its commitment to fostering a positive workplace, Washington Trust has been honored by American Banker magazine as one of the Best Banks to Work For in 2026. This prestigious recognition places Washington Trust among an elite group of only 100 banks across the United States, renowned for their dedication to creating supportive and motivating environments for employees.

A Commendable Milestone

This marks the seventh time in the past eight years that Washington Trust has made the annual list, a testament to the bank’s unwavering effort to cultivate a robust organizational culture. According to Ned Handy, Chairman and CEO of Washington Trust, this accolade reflects the strength of the culture that the bank’s leadership and teams have diligently built and maintained over the years.

Emphasizing Employee Experience

Handy stated, “We’re honored to be included among the nation’s best banks to work for and are proud of the workplace experience we provide our employees.” The Best Banks to Work For award evaluates various factors including banks' workplace policies, employee benefits, direct feedback from employees regarding their workplace morale, growth opportunities, and overall organizational culture.

Chana Schoenberger, Editor-in-Chief of American Banker, mentioned, “The banks recognized as Best Banks to Work For are institutions employees want to join and stay. They understand how to give workers reasons to find purpose in their jobs.” This insight reflects the foundation of a successful workplace—empowered employees who feel valued and inspired to contribute.

The Selection Process Explained

To compile the 2026 Best Banks to Work For list, American Banker partnered with Best Companies Group, which conducted a comprehensive two-step evaluation process. The first step involved assessing workplace policies, practices, and demographics of each participating bank, which was weighted at 25% of the final score. The second step required conducting employee surveys focused on individual workplace experiences, with this segment contributing to 75% of the final score. The compiled results established the rankings.

More About Washington Trust

Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is celebrated as the oldest community bank in the United States and the largest state-chartered bank based in Rhode Island. The bank has solidified its presence as a premier financial services provider in New England, committed to enhancing the financial well-being of individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the region. Washington Trust offers a comprehensive range of services, including commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking, and wealth management solutions, available through its branches in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, as well as via an extensive suite of digital banking tools.

A Legacy of Excellence

In 2025, Washington Trust proudly celebrated 225 years of operation, reaffirming its long-term dedication to serving the community and remaining adaptive to evolving market needs. Besides being a member of the FDIC, Washington Trust’s commitment to fair banking practices is exemplified by its status as an equal housing lender. The company’s shares are publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol WASH.

You can find more information about Washington Trust by visiting their official websites at washtrust.com and for corporate details at ir.washtrust.com.

Insights from American Banker

American Banker serves as a crucial resource for banking professionals, delivering unique analysis and insights related to the innovations and challenges transforming the industry. Through reporting, events, research, and benchmarking, it connects industry leaders and provides a platform to navigate the complexities of business evolution, legislation, and reform.

Conclusion

Washington Trust’s inclusion in the Best Banks to Work For list not only highlights its commitment to employee satisfaction but also sets a benchmark for other institutions striving to improve their workplace culture. As the bank continues to innovate and expand its services, it remains focused on enriching the lives of its employees and the wider community they serve.