PHILADELPHIA, PA — Republic First Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRBK), the holding company for Republic First Bank d/b/a Republic Bank, recently announced actions that it has taken in furtherance of management’s strategy to better serve customers, focus resources on core business lines and markets, increase profitability and create value for shareholders.
Exit of Mortgage Origination Business
- Republic Bank will exit its legacy mortgage origination business. The Bank will continue to support local communities through various Community Reinvestment Act initiatives driven through its core business lines. Historically, this platform’s primary offering was a long-term jumbo mortgage product, priced at aggressive rates, which no longer aligns with the Company’s preference for shorter duration and better risk adjusted return asset classes. Further, the high-cost nature of a jumbo mortgage origination platform is no longer consistent with the Company’s strategy for enhancing profitability and dedicating more resources to core business lines.
Streamlining NYC Commercial Lending Business
- The Company will streamline its commercial lending business in New York City and has made commensurate reductions in force in its New York Lending and Credit teams. This action will allow Republic Bank to focus on its strong commercial relationships in and around the Bank’s core Philadelphia Metropolitan area market, serving clients domiciled here who have businesses inside and outside the region.
Thomas X. Geisel, President and CEO of Republic First Bancorp, Inc., stated:
“When I became CEO, I articulated a clear strategy to focus on our core business lines in our core markets. In our recent first quarter 2023 earnings report, we noted that we would be executing meaningful business realignment and efficiency initiatives to grow profitability, allow us to better serve our customers and create value for shareholders and all stakeholders. Today’s updates represent important steps in that direction.
“While these were difficult decisions – especially because of the inherent reduction in force required – we strongly believe they are in the best interests of the Company and will allow us to build a strong foundation for the future. I would like to extend a sincere word of gratitude to our dedicated employees who will continue to drive our success.
“I am excited about our opportunities that lay ahead to build an even stronger Republic Bank. We are committed to updating the market and our shareholders on an ongoing basis on business developments as we take decisive actions to execute our strategy.”
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