April Grajales, Tampa Market Executive, Regions Bank

In an interview with Invest:, April Grajales, Tampa market executive for Regions Bank, highlighted the bank’s leadership in West Florida and its focus on supporting small businesses amid Tampa Bay’s growth. Key achievements included $200,000 in hurricane relief grants and investments in technology to enhance customer experiences through solutions like the Regions Greenprint program.

Can you share an overview of Regions Bank in West Florida?

We’re proud to be the number one regional financial institution by market share here. We have a long legacy in this community, and Tampa Bay continues to be a priority market for us within our strategic plan.

This region presents significant opportunities, particularly due to its population growth and economic trends. Tampa Bay has a strong economic landscape, and the collaborative efforts with the Economic Development Council (EDC) are bringing more businesses and headquarters to this area. Those factors make it a key area for our investment and growth.

What were some of the major highlights this past year?

This past year, the busy hurricane season stands out, especially the impacts of Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole in West Florida and Tampa Bay. Regions Bank, along with the Regions Foundation, stepped up in a meaningful way.

The Regions Foundation, which is a nonprofit primarily funded by the bank, provided $200,000 in grant funding to organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay, United Way Suncoast, and the American Red Cross.

Separate from the grants provided by the Foundation, Regions Bank launched disaster recovery financial services, including fee waivers, mortgage and loan payment deferrals, and more. Our bankers also engaged directly with customers to address their financial challenges resulting from the storms, ensuring both immediate assistance and long-term support. I would say that addressing the impact of those storms has been one of our most meaningful milestones this year.

What opportunities do you see for growth in Tampa Bay?

I’ve had the privilege of working in Tampa Bay’s banking industry for over 20 years — though I won’t reveal my age by saying exactly how long! Right now, the growth and focus on small businesses and entrepreneurs in West Florida are truly remarkable.

For us, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs is a core focus. This aligns with broader industry trends, as we see more opportunities to help these businesses thrive in the region’s dynamic economic environment.

What trends are currently shaping the banking sector?

One major trend across industries, including banking, is technology. It’s a significant focus for financial institutions and businesses of all sizes.

While I do not work directly in technology or coding, Regions is heavily investing in innovation to benefit our customers. A prime example is our advancements in treasury and cash management solutions.

We’re leveraging technology to power these solutions, helping our business customers manage their finances more efficiently. This allows them to concentrate on growing their businesses while our tools handle their treasury and cash management needs. Technology is undoubtedly one of the most influential trends shaping our industry today.

How is Regions Bank helping small businesses and entrepreneurs navigate challenges like high interest rates and inflation?

One way we’re supporting small businesses is through our Small Business Administration (SBA) loan packages, which have been an essential resource for our clients.

Additionally, we’ve implemented what we call Regions Greenprint. This is a personalized approach where our bankers engage with customers, listen to their needs, help them set goals, and identify solutions tailored to their specific circumstances. It’s all about offering customized service to guide our clients on their financial journeys.

How do you assess the talent pool in Tampa Bay, and what are you doing to attract and retain top talent?

Talent recruitment and retention are a top priority for me and our leadership team. One of the most exciting parts of my role is mentoring and welcoming the next generation of bankers.

We’re passionate about showcasing banking as a rewarding career choice. Our recruiting efforts focus on building awareness of opportunities in the financial industry and demonstrating how a career with Regions can help individuals achieve their professional dreams. It’s about fostering excitement and showing the value of joining our team.

Are there any regulatory changes or legislation that you’re watching closely?

Banking operates with strong compliance standards at its core, and that’s embedded in everything we do. As always, we’ll continue monitoring the regulatory environment and adapting as necessary.

We’re committed to maintaining a strong capital position and solid liquidity to meet our performance goals while ensuring we remain aligned with any changes in the regulatory landscape.

What are your top priorities for Regions Bank in Tampa Bay over the next two to three years?

A key focus is expanding on what we call the Regions 360 approach. This approach ensures we meet our customers’ needs comprehensively by presenting one unified solution across all our services, including consumer banking, commercial banking, mortgage, and wealth management.

Another area is advancing technology to enhance the customer experience. We’re investing in technology updates, particularly in our mobile app, to ensure safe, convenient, and simple transactions via mobile, online banking, or ATMs. In our branches, we’re shifting toward creating more personalized, face-to-face interactions. By streamlining transactional services through technology, our retail branches can focus on delivering a one-on-one, customer-centric experience. This blend of technology and human connection is a priority moving forward.

The goal is to consistently provide seamless, full-spectrum support to our clients, no matter where they engage with the bank. We’re doing well with this in Tampa Bay, but there’s more opportunity to deepen these efforts and deliver even greater value to our customers.