Florida Banking October/November 2024

The Central Bank team.

as a career. Central Bank leadership is passionate about educating its communities. Nilesh has given lectures on how to start a bank as a guest speaker at the Tampa Bay Association of Financial Professionals. “A lot of people don’t understand how banks come into fruition,” he said. Looking forward, Thompson and the Patels seek to

Central Bank, Continued from page 9

for Humanity, Feeding America, the American Cancer Society and affordable housing via the Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE). Tampa has the largest Asian Indian population in Florida; the annual Tampa Bay Indian Festival is the largest festival in the country showcasing Indian

dancing, culture and art, drawing more than 12,000 people. More than 100 vendors from across the United States and India sell clothing, jewelry and food. The bank participates by purchasing a booth and offering financial advice and consultations to prospective customers.

focus on current operations and quality asset and profitability growth at each of the bank’s offices. The bank’s goal is to operate full service offices targeting high growth, dynamic markets. “There are always challenges, and you have to be ready for them. Today it is high interest rates,” Chairman Patel indicated. “The industry is constantly changing, but Central Bank has survived and is still growing. There

“WE ARE VERY DIVERSE FROM AN OWNERSHIP, STAFFING AND CUSTOMER PERSPECTIVE.” – PRESIDENT AND CEO JOHN THOMPSON

“We have a strong reputation within the Asian Indian community,” said EVP and Chief Risk Officer Nileshkumar (Nilesh) Patel, Raj’s brother and founding director. “The community is proud to have representation in banking.”

are significant challenges, but we are nimble, and growth and change oriented. We continue to invest in technology to meet customer expectations and competition, and we emphasize our local roots and customer service. “The future of community banking depends on how well banks maintain their local touch via technological advancements and navigating continuing economic and regulatory pressures,” Chairman Patel said. “We are optimistic about the future!”

The bank also promotes fiscal education for children and students. “Kid Central Savings” is the bank’s savings account designed specifically for customers 18 and under, intended to give children a head start on saving. “The idea was to get some sort of fiscal education to kids,” Nilesh said. “We want to get children started on the right path to a healthy financial future.” The bank also has a shadowing program for high school students, which allows them to explore banking

10 — FLORIDA BANKING THE VOICE OF FLORIDA BANKING