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 announced the appointment of Michael Anthony Guarino, Esq. as Senior Vice President and Attorney. This strategic hire underscores the bank's commitment to strengthening its legal and compliance capabilities as it expands its presence in the New York market. Mr. Guarino, who will be based at the bank's headquarters in Bedminster, New Jersey, and its new location at 300 Park Avenue, New York City, brings over 25 years of experience in financial services to his new role. His primary responsibilities will include addressing legal issues arising from the company's New York office and providing support to the bank's executive and leadership teams on legal and policy matters.

The appointment comes at a crucial time for Peapack-Gladstone Bank, as it seeks to enhance its position in the competitive New York financial market. Mr. 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. Prior to joining Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Mr. Guarino held senior positions at several prominent financial institutions. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel at Metropolitan Commercial Bank. His career also includes roles at Israel Discount Bank of New York, First Fidelity, First Union Bank, and Chase Manhattan Bank, where he gained diverse experience in legal and compliance functions.

Mr. Guarino's educational background is equally impressive. He holds 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, including fluency in Spanish and a working knowledge of Italian, further enhance his ability to serve a diverse client base. As a member of both the New Jersey and New York Bars, Mr. Guarino brings a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks in both states. His 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 Mr. Guarino to the Peapack-Gladstone Bank team aligns with the institution's client-centric approach to banking. As a commercial bank with $6.5 billion in total assets and $11.5 billion in assets under management and/or administration as of June 30, 2024, Peapack-Gladstone Bank is well-positioned to leverage Mr. Guarino's expertise to enhance its 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 of Peapack-Gladstone Bank that offers comprehensive financial, tax, fiduciary, and investment advice to individuals, families, privately held businesses, family offices, and not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Guarino's legal acumen will be instrumental in supporting 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, the addition of Michael Anthony Guarino to its senior leadership team represents a strategic move to strengthen its legal and compliance infrastructure. This appointment not only enhances the bank's ability to navigate complex regulatory environments but also reinforces its commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to its diverse clientele. The bank's expansion efforts, including its new location at https://www.peapack.com, demonstrate its focus on strategic growth in key markets.