Florida Banking May 2024

serves as one of its vice presidents. Isis said, “This is more than just a job to us; it’s our family’s legacy. Any changes in the bank directly impact us, motivating us to strive for its continual enhancement.” As the team at Interamerican Bank looks to the future, Velasco Jr. recognizes that the banking system is changing. He looks to Christie, Lindsie, and Isis to bring new ideas to the table and attract the younger generation. “We are adapting and evolving to meet the demands of the modern era,” Velasco Jr. remarked. "The inspiration to introduce Zelle came from Christie, recognizing its popularity as a preferred payment method among the younger generation—an alternative to platforms like Venmo. This strategic move has enabled us to retain many young customers, and transactions via Zelle have only seen continued growth since its implementation. My daughters and niece play a pivotal role in spearheading the bank’s expansion into the digital realm. Lindsie, who is the Human Resources Manager, has significantly improved the efficiencies in the HR department by implementing digital job onboarding and performance evaluations. We also offer free debit card transactions through Publix’s Presto system and mobile deposit capture, allowing convenient check deposits by simply taking a picture.” “We’re committed to maintaining the bank’s financial well-being and ensuring its resilience in the face of potential challenges. Our approach to banking is highly conservative, prioritizing robust capitalization and liquidity to navigate economic

uncertainties such as the pandemic and inflation,” Velasco Jr. said. He added, “My father started something truly remarkable for all of us. Banking is a great profession that brings immense satisfaction through helping others… and we have helped a lot of people and made a meaningful difference in the lives of many.”

MEET AGUSTIN VELASCO Agustin Velasco currently holds the positions of president, CEO, and board member at Interamerican Bank. He joined the bank in 1988 as vice president; through his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen, he ascended to the position of CEO in 1998 and became a member of the Board of Directors in 2009. In 2012, he assumed the dual role of president and CEO, while also continuing his service as a member of the board.

Velasco has navigated Interamerican Bank through periods of change and challenges with resilience and foresight, driven by a dedication to innovation and customer-centric values. Originally from Cuba, Velasco moved to Miami, Florida as a child and has since called it home. Driven by his love for Miami and a commitment to his community, he embarked on a career path that began as an electrical engineer and eventually led him to the banking sector. Velasco completed his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Miami in December 1977, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University in August 1992. In addition to his professional endeavors, Velasco has been deeply involved in education and community service. He taught courses in the electronics department at Miami-Dade Community College, has served on the Community Depository Institution Advisory Council for the Sixth Federal Reserve District, and is an honorary member of the Kiwanis Club of Coral Gables and a member of the Latin Builders.

WWW.FLORIDABANKERS.COM MAY 2024 — 11