Company Overview

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. is a U.S.-based bank holding company operating primarily through its wholly owned subsidiary, ConnectOne Bank. The company operates within the commercial banking and financial services industry, focusing on providing relationship-driven banking solutions to small and mid-sized businesses, professionals, and individuals. Its core offerings include commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate lending, deposit products, treasury management services, and residential mortgage lending.

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in New Jersey, ConnectOne Bancorp was established with a strategy centered on high-touch, client-centric banking supported by experienced relationship managers. A major milestone in its evolution was the acquisition of Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. in 2022, which significantly expanded its asset base, geographic reach, and customer relationships, positioning the company as one of the larger regional community banks in the New York–New Jersey metropolitan area.

Business Operations

ConnectOne Bancorp generates revenue primarily through net interest income derived from lending activities and, to a lesser extent, non-interest income from fees related to deposit services, loan servicing, and wealth management. Its principal operating segments include Commercial Lending, Commercial Real Estate Lending, Residential Mortgage Banking, and Deposit and Treasury Management Services, all conducted through ConnectOne Bank.

Operations are predominantly domestic, with banking offices and loan production teams concentrated in the Northeast United States. The company controls a diversified loan portfolio with exposure to owner-occupied and investor commercial real estate, commercial and industrial credits, and residential mortgages. Through the former Lakeland Bank franchise, the company added complementary branch infrastructure, client relationships, and lending expertise, which have been integrated into its core banking platform.

Strategic Position & Investments

The company’s strategic direction emphasizes disciplined balance sheet growth, deepening client relationships, and operational efficiency. Key growth initiatives include expanding commercial lending teams, enhancing digital banking and treasury management capabilities, and leveraging scale from recent acquisitions to improve profitability and operating leverage.

The acquisition of Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. represents the most significant strategic investment in the company’s history, effectively doubling its size at the time of closing and strengthening its competitive position in highly attractive banking markets. ConnectOne Bancorp continues to invest in technology infrastructure and risk management systems to support regulatory compliance and scalable growth, while maintaining a conservative credit culture.

Geographic Footprint

ConnectOne Bancorp’s operations are concentrated in the New York metropolitan area, with a strong presence across New Jersey and selective markets in New York. Its headquarters are located in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and it operates a network of branch offices and commercial banking teams throughout northern and central New Jersey.

While the company does not maintain international banking operations, its geographic footprint provides exposure to one of the largest and most economically diverse regional markets in the United States. This positioning supports lending activity across a wide range of industries, including real estate, professional services, healthcare, and closely held businesses.

Leadership & Governance

ConnectOne Bancorp is led by an executive team with extensive experience in regional and community banking, emphasizing relationship-based service, prudent risk management, and long-term shareholder value creation. Leadership has consistently articulated a strategic vision focused on sustainable growth, strong asset quality, and disciplined capital management.

Key members of the executive leadership team include:

• Frank Sorrentino – Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
• William S. Burns – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Anthony C. Delessandro – Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer
• Thomas S. Brookman – Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
• Pamela A. McCreary – Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

The board of directors oversees governance, strategy, and risk, drawing on backgrounds in banking, finance, real estate, and professional services to guide the company’s long-term direction.