■ Banking
Continued From Page 32 creased regulatory focus as the industry takes responsibility to protect the consumer .
Kearny Bank By Craig Montanaro , President and CEO
Thanks to sustained investment in data‐ and analytics‐focused tools , artificial intelligence , and digital platforms , the banking industry is in a favorable position to leverage consumers ’ increasing reliance on mobile banking solutions . At Kearny Bank , we ’ re strongly capitalized , have continued growing our loan
Customers have become more comfortable with online banking benefits .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto portfolios and deposits , and are attracting new business from commercial and personal clients . In the near term , we ’ ll emphasize digital innovation to expand product lines and broaden the company footprint . Our primary consideration is always the people we serve and their various needs . We just keep working to provide the right client with the right product , through the right channel , at precisely the right time .
Lakeland Bank By Thomas J . Shara , President and CEO
Overall , the industry is strong and viewed positively as a result of how it supported the recovery challenges of 2020 . Banks with the capital strength , commitment to customer service and community spirit continue to lead the way out of this crisis and back to economic vitality . Having met this challenge head on , Lakeland is doing well in 2021 . As for the near future , 2020 catapulted banks to enhance their existing digital initiatives , and this will remain a top priority across the industry in order for banks to thrive in the next few years . Banks will also be focused on safely returning employees to the office as well as evaluating the continuation of a broader remote workforce . And finally , ensuring there is diversity at all levels of our industry will be a significant focus going forward .
M & T Bank By Thomas H . Comiskey , Regional President
Ongoing vaccination efforts look promising and are cause for optimism in 2021 . The last year illustrated that , even with the increased adoption of digital banking applications , personal relationships between M & T bankers and their clients remain critical . For example , ongoing guidance and assistance around securing PPP loans or other funding within the branches were invaluable to many clients . At the forefront of this ongoing outreach and relationship‐building must be increased support to the diverse communities and businesses we serve across New Jersey .
Manasquan Bank By James S . Vaccaro , Chairman , President and CEO
The entire banking industry has achieved the remarkable task of providing unwavering support to the business and consumer sectors of the economy during the pandemic . That support of service and operating flexibility must be viewed within the context of understanding that numerous industries were , and continue to be , significantly and adversely affected econom-
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