Royal Bank, founded in 1887 in the midst of Chicago’s booming steel industry, continues to be a vital community establishment and promotes the development of the city of Chicago, particularly in the South and Southeast Sides.
As a publicly-traded community financial institution, Royal Bank’s top priority is serving the communities in which their bank branches are located.
The bank now has seven locations in Chicago, including the corporate headquarters at 92nd and Commercial Avenues, and two in suburban Niles and Westmont, which help them serve a variety of customers.
“Some of these locations resulted from the acquisition of financial institutions, which would otherwise have closed, if not for Royal Bank purchasing them,” explains Royal Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Leonard Szwajkowski.
“These include the purchases of Park Federal, PNA and Washington Federal.”
Royal Bank is very supportive of businesses and works closely with the area Chambers of Commerce, and other organizations in different city neighborhoods, including the East Side Garfield Ridge, Hegewisch, Little Village and the South Loop neighborhoods.
As an organization that seeks to be an active part of its community, Royal Bank representatives frequently speak at educational activities, participate in neighborhood events and sponsor programs throughout the city.
This commitment to the community has continued during the pandemic.
In 2020, Royal Bank gave out a total of $35,000 in donations as part of a special grant program through the Federal Home Loan Bank which helped nonprofit organizations affected by COVID-19. Food pantries, workforce development programs, housing organizations and other community and business groups benefited.
Royal Bank also offers a full range of deposit, loan, cash management, merchant processing and other services to businesses, families and individuals.
“We wanted to help during COVID-19, so in addition to our other loan services, we provided SBA PPP loans to qualifying customers,” Szwajkowski explains.
“Royal Bank employs people from the area to help as many community residents as possible. This includes employing people who speak different languages, such as Spanish and Polish, so they can better serve residents visiting our locations.”
As a five-star rated bank, Royal Bank is one of the safest banks in the nation, offering employees and customers the extra assurance that they are receiving secure, high-quality banking services.
In January, Royal Bank announced record earnings for the second quarter-end of fiscal year 2021. This achievement further enforces the significant work Royal Bank has done to serve its customers as a smaller-sized community bank.
Their goal of aiding community members through accessible and safe banking services is more important than ever.
To learn more about Royal Bank, their history, services, and commitment to community, visit www.royalbankweb.com/home.
