Chicago Sun-Times (Sunday)

Royal Bank, one of the nation’s safest banks, serving Chicago for 134 years

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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.” 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 quarterend 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

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