Florida Banking June 2023

2023-24 FBA Chair Jose Cueto

P resident and CEO of International Finance Bank, Jose Cueto, is Incoming Chair of the Florida Bankers Association; he will serve a one-year term that runs from June 2023 through June 2024. Cueto has been a banker for more than 30 years. He says banking is “in his DNA,” as he was initially inspired by his uncle, one of the first Cuban American bankers in Miami to rise into a position of leadership as a bank president. Cueto took a part time summer internship in 1988 that led to part-time employment, and the rest is history. His banking career continued to evolve; Cueto has served as president and CEO of International Finance Bank for the last eight years.

happening, we won’t know what we’re trying to defend. We need to understand how legislation impacts banks, and then explain the impact that it can have on the broader community,” Cueto said. “Our banks are a big economic engine for small businesses and professionals, and legislation that puts a damper on our ability to focus on our community is dangerous for the industry as a whole.” During his year as Chair, Cueto will focus on industry issues such as ESG regulation, credit union taxation, and the Safe Harbor Act. He is also passionate about recruiting young professionals as the next generation of banking leaders. Succession

planning is critical to the future success of the industry; Cueto wants to engage young people in the association’s advocacy efforts and encourage other banking leaders to do the same within their own organizations. “I’ll be in dialogue with other FBA member banks to see how we can get more young people involved in the association, and in the banking industry as a whole. This will very much be a part of my chairmanship for

“Banking has been great to me. I think serving as FBA Chair is just the natural evolution of giving back to the industry that’s been so good to me and to my family,” Cueto said. Cueto has been active with the FBA for much of his career. He’s served on the Government Relations Council, FBA BankPac, and FBA Board of Directors. In 2016, he was awarded the Florida Bankers Association Horizon Award for his

"WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW LEGISLATION IMPACTS BANKS, AND THEN EXPLAIN THE IMPACT THAT IT CAN HAVE ON THE BROADER COMMUNITY."

the year,” Cueto said. “I think it’s a failure not to include young people. It may not be a failure that’s palpable today, but it will be very palpable just five to 10 years down the road. Acquiring, developing and retaining talent are critical to the long-term success of any organization.” International Finance Bank has created initiatives to attract and train young bankers; this summer, the bank’s internship program welcomes 17 interns. The internship program has led to a lot of hiring. According to Cueto, many of those who started with little knowledge about the industry come out of the program having decided to make banking a career. Similarly, the IFB Young Leaders Work Group is a mentorship program for employees under the age of 35. 2023-24 FBA Chair Jose Cueto, Continued on page 10

outstanding dedication to the FBA. The award recognizes bankers who have given above and beyond expectations. “I’m excited to represent our industry. I’ve had a great opportunity to learn from Bill, Fab and Greg, and I’m excited to follow the tradition of championing bankers’ voices both in Tallahassee and Washington to address legislation,” Cueto said. “Ours is an industry that’s under fire constantly. It’s important that our voices be heard, and I’m ready to take on that responsibility.” Cueto believes that he has a responsibility as Chair to help representatives better understand the impact of their proposed legislation, not only on banks but also in the local communities. “It’s important to know what’s going on in legislation. If we’re not cognizant of what’s

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