Associated Banc-Corp Launches Franchise Banking Vertical
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 23 hours ago
0mins
Should l Buy ASB?
Source: PRnewswire
- New Business Expansion: Associated Banc-Corp has launched a nationally focused Franchise Banking vertical aimed at enhancing relationships with franchise owners through industry-specific financial solutions, thereby driving organic growth in the Midwest and other markets.
- Leadership Appointment: Shaun Coard has been appointed as senior vice president to lead the Franchise Banking initiative, bringing over 30 years of financial services experience and a proven track record of business expansion, which is expected to accelerate growth and enhance risk management capabilities.
- Team Development: In addition to Coard, Associated has hired four Franchise Banking professionals, further diversifying its portfolio of industry-specific verticals and enhancing its ability to deliver integrated financial solutions to clients.
- Strengthened Market Positioning: The launch of this new vertical not only solidifies Associated Banc-Corp's market position in Wisconsin but also aims to expand its influence nationwide, focusing on providing tailored capital solutions and strategic guidance to franchise owners.
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Analyst Views on ASB
Wall Street analysts forecast ASB stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 27.890
Low
29.00
Averages
30.33
High
33.00
Current: 27.890
Low
29.00
Averages
30.33
High
33.00
About ASB
Associated Banc-Corp is a bank holding company. The Company, through Associated Bank and nonbanking subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services from over 200 banking locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska. It operates loan production offices in Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Texas. The Corporate and Commercial Specialty segment serves a range of customers, including larger businesses, developers, not-for-profits, municipalities, and financial institutions by providing lending and deposit solutions as well as the support to deliver, fund, and manage such banking solutions. The Community, Consumer and Business segment serves individuals and businesses by providing lending and deposit solutions and a variety of investment, fiduciary, and retirement planning products and services. The Risk Management and Shared Services segment include key shared operational functions and includes residual revenue and expenses.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Associated Banc-Corp Launches Franchise Banking Division
- New Business Launch: Associated Banc-Corp has launched a nationally focused Franchise Banking vertical, aimed at expanding its portfolio of industry-specific financial solutions, which is expected to drive growth in the franchise market and enhance service commitment to franchise owners.
- Executive Appointment: Shaun Coard has been appointed as senior vice president, business segment leader for Franchise Banking, and with over 30 years of financial services experience, her leadership is anticipated to accelerate the establishment and scaling of this new vertical, enhancing the company's competitive edge in the industry.
- Team Expansion: In addition to Coard, Associated has hired four Franchise Banking professionals, forming a robust team to support the implementation of the new business, which is expected to improve customer service quality and increase market penetration.
- Strategic Implications: The launch of this new business aligns with the company's organic growth strategy in the Midwest, aiming to deepen relationships with franchise owners by providing tailored capital solutions, thereby enhancing the company's market position and industry influence.
See More
Associated Banc-Corp Launches Franchise Banking Vertical
- New Business Expansion: Associated Banc-Corp has launched a nationally focused Franchise Banking vertical aimed at enhancing relationships with franchise owners through industry-specific financial solutions, thereby driving organic growth in the Midwest and other markets.
- Leadership Appointment: Shaun Coard has been appointed as senior vice president to lead the Franchise Banking initiative, bringing over 30 years of financial services experience and a proven track record of business expansion, which is expected to accelerate growth and enhance risk management capabilities.
- Team Development: In addition to Coard, Associated has hired four Franchise Banking professionals, further diversifying its portfolio of industry-specific verticals and enhancing its ability to deliver integrated financial solutions to clients.
- Strengthened Market Positioning: The launch of this new vertical not only solidifies Associated Banc-Corp's market position in Wisconsin but also aims to expand its influence nationwide, focusing on providing tailored capital solutions and strategic guidance to franchise owners.
See More
Associated Bank Appoints New Market President for Nebraska and Western Iowa
- Leadership Change: Associated Bank has appointed Jason Hansen as the market president for Nebraska and Western Iowa, effective immediately, aiming to strengthen the company's market position in the region.
- Acquisition Context: Hansen previously served as president of American National Bank, which was acquired by Associated Bank on April 1, 2026; his appointment is seen as a crucial step in the integration process to maintain continuity in client relationships.
- Market Strategy: Hansen emphasized the commitment to preserving the strong legacy established by American National Bank while expanding service capabilities to support ongoing growth in Omaha, Council Bluffs, and surrounding markets, reflecting the company's dedication to personalized client service.
- Personal Background: Hansen holds a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, and banking from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and has been recognized for his public service contributions, showcasing his deep community roots and leadership capabilities.
See More
BARCLAYS INCREASES TARGET PRICE FOR ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP TO $33, UP FROM $30
- Target Price Increase: Barclays has raised the target price for Associated Banc-Corp from $30 to $33.
- Market Implications: This adjustment reflects Barclays' positive outlook on the financial performance of Associated Banc-Corp.
See More
ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP: BARCLAYS UPGRADES RATING TO OVERWEIGHT FROM EQUAL-WEIGHT
Barclays Raises Overweight Rating: Barclays has upgraded its rating to "overweight" for certain stocks, indicating a positive outlook on their performance.
Shift from Equal-Weight: The change in rating reflects a strategic shift from an "equal-weight" stance, suggesting that Barclays sees greater potential for growth in these stocks compared to others.
See More
Associated Banc-Corp Completes Merger with American National Corporation
- Merger Completion: On April 1, 2026, Associated Banc-Corp announced the completion of its merger with American National Corporation, which is expected to enhance its organic growth potential by leveraging the strengths of both entities, thereby driving future market expansion.
- Historic Performance: In 2025, Associated achieved record net income driven by growth in relationship loans and deposits, and this merger is anticipated to further accelerate its growth momentum, particularly in key markets such as Omaha and the Twin Cities.
- Customer Service Continuity: Post-merger, American National customers will continue to be serviced through their existing branches, which will be rebranded as Associated Bank branches once the conversion is complete, ensuring continuity and stability in customer experience.
- New Board Member: Wende Kotouc has been appointed to Associated's Board of Directors, and her extensive experience at American National is expected to provide significant support for the company's strategic growth plans, enhancing its governance capabilities.
See More
Associated Banc-Corp Launches Franchise Banking Division
- New Business Launch: Associated Banc-Corp has launched a nationally focused Franchise Banking vertical, aimed at expanding its portfolio of industry-specific financial solutions, which is expected to drive growth in the franchise market and enhance service commitment to franchise owners.
- Executive Appointment: Shaun Coard has been appointed as senior vice president, business segment leader for Franchise Banking, and with over 30 years of financial services experience, her leadership is anticipated to accelerate the establishment and scaling of this new vertical, enhancing the company's competitive edge in the industry.
- Team Expansion: In addition to Coard, Associated has hired four Franchise Banking professionals, forming a robust team to support the implementation of the new business, which is expected to improve customer service quality and increase market penetration.
- Strategic Implications: The launch of this new business aligns with the company's organic growth strategy in the Midwest, aiming to deepen relationships with franchise owners by providing tailored capital solutions, thereby enhancing the company's market position and industry influence.
See More
Associated Banc-Corp Launches Franchise Banking Vertical
- New Business Expansion: Associated Banc-Corp has launched a nationally focused Franchise Banking vertical aimed at enhancing relationships with franchise owners through industry-specific financial solutions, thereby driving organic growth in the Midwest and other markets.
- Leadership Appointment: Shaun Coard has been appointed as senior vice president to lead the Franchise Banking initiative, bringing over 30 years of financial services experience and a proven track record of business expansion, which is expected to accelerate growth and enhance risk management capabilities.
- Team Development: In addition to Coard, Associated has hired four Franchise Banking professionals, further diversifying its portfolio of industry-specific verticals and enhancing its ability to deliver integrated financial solutions to clients.
- Strengthened Market Positioning: The launch of this new vertical not only solidifies Associated Banc-Corp's market position in Wisconsin but also aims to expand its influence nationwide, focusing on providing tailored capital solutions and strategic guidance to franchise owners.
See More
Associated Bank Appoints New Market President for Nebraska and Western Iowa
- Leadership Change: Associated Bank has appointed Jason Hansen as the market president for Nebraska and Western Iowa, effective immediately, aiming to strengthen the company's market position in the region.
- Acquisition Context: Hansen previously served as president of American National Bank, which was acquired by Associated Bank on April 1, 2026; his appointment is seen as a crucial step in the integration process to maintain continuity in client relationships.
- Market Strategy: Hansen emphasized the commitment to preserving the strong legacy established by American National Bank while expanding service capabilities to support ongoing growth in Omaha, Council Bluffs, and surrounding markets, reflecting the company's dedication to personalized client service.
- Personal Background: Hansen holds a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, and banking from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and has been recognized for his public service contributions, showcasing his deep community roots and leadership capabilities.
See More
BARCLAYS INCREASES TARGET PRICE FOR ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP TO $33, UP FROM $30
- Target Price Increase: Barclays has raised the target price for Associated Banc-Corp from $30 to $33.
- Market Implications: This adjustment reflects Barclays' positive outlook on the financial performance of Associated Banc-Corp.
See More
ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP: BARCLAYS UPGRADES RATING TO OVERWEIGHT FROM EQUAL-WEIGHT
Barclays Raises Overweight Rating: Barclays has upgraded its rating to "overweight" for certain stocks, indicating a positive outlook on their performance.
Shift from Equal-Weight: The change in rating reflects a strategic shift from an "equal-weight" stance, suggesting that Barclays sees greater potential for growth in these stocks compared to others.
See More
Associated Banc-Corp Completes Merger with American National Corporation
- Merger Completion: On April 1, 2026, Associated Banc-Corp announced the completion of its merger with American National Corporation, which is expected to enhance its organic growth potential by leveraging the strengths of both entities, thereby driving future market expansion.
- Historic Performance: In 2025, Associated achieved record net income driven by growth in relationship loans and deposits, and this merger is anticipated to further accelerate its growth momentum, particularly in key markets such as Omaha and the Twin Cities.
- Customer Service Continuity: Post-merger, American National customers will continue to be serviced through their existing branches, which will be rebranded as Associated Bank branches once the conversion is complete, ensuring continuity and stability in customer experience.
- New Board Member: Wende Kotouc has been appointed to Associated's Board of Directors, and her extensive experience at American National is expected to provide significant support for the company's strategic growth plans, enhancing its governance capabilities.
See More
