First American Bank Adds New Hire to International Banking Division

MIAMI – July 2021 - First American Bank, a $5.5 billion privately held bank serving the Miami, Tampa, Chicago, and Milwaukee markets, is pleased to welcome Julian Pastrana to its International Banking Division. Pastrana will work as a development officer specializing in the Latin American market out of First American Bank’s Miami and Tampa offices. Key tasks will include guiding clients throughout Latin America who wish to develop corporate and personal banking relationships in the U.S.

“We are very excited to welcome Julian into our company and our division,” said Thomas Wells, CEO and Chairman of First American Bank. “His expertise and experience in Latin America will surely help us not only offer a wider range of opportunities for clients, but also expand our reach beyond our borders to  help Latin American based clients establish successful businesses in the U.S.” 

In the past, Pastrana held roles such as Account Coordinator for L’Oréal Travel Retail Americas coordinating sales and marketing efforts for the region, Enrollment Associate Director at Hult International Business School where he built relationships throughout Latin America with Fortune 1000 companies, and Relationship Manager at Helm Bank S.A. in Bogota, Colombia.  

The International Banking Division at First American Bank has been managing clients across the world for over 15 years from its Chicago and Miami branches. In 2018, the Bank was one of only 43 companies nation-wide who received the President’s E Award in recognition of the division’s impressive work in export services. This is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.  

Now focused on expansion and growth, the team will combine Pastrana’s Latin American focus with Chicago-based Bastiaan van den Berg, who manages the Bank’s European connections. For over 15 years, van den Berg has been assisting corporations with international trade finance transactions, import and export transactions, and their corporate staff with their relocation needs. He and Pastrana will work as liaisons to facilitate international sales and the personalized needs of international buyers and sellers. Through close partnerships with international chambers of commerce and recognized trade organizations, the team is well-equipped to understand international needs of business clients and provide their specialized guidance. 

“I am humbled to join such an engaged and dedicated group of individuals,” Pastrana said. “First American Bank’s team allows for so many client successes. It’s a real hub for knowledge on how to achieve that for both newcomers and experts to the global market. I cannot wait to continue on that legacy moving forward.” 

First American Bank will continue to expand their International Banking Division to further support its global corporate clients from its strategically located operations throughout Miami, Tampa, Chicago, and Milwaukee.

About First American Bank 

First American Bank is a full-service bank with specialized teams dedicated to trade finance solutions and international financing for global businesses. We started out over 40 years ago with the combination of several commonly owned Chicago suburban banks. Since then, we’ve grown to become the largest privately held bank in Illinois with 61 locations across Florida, Illinois, and Wisconsin and over $5.5 billion in assets. Our focus has consistently revolved around three core values: creating solutions, exceptional customer service, and unmatched expertise in commercial banking, wealth advisory, and personal finance solutions. 

For some, banking is a transaction. For us, it is a continuous financial partnership. Our services span from a robust network of personal and online banking to working capital solutions, business loans, and trade advisory for business owners and manufacturers -- all strengthened by private banking offerings giving our clients a full suite of financial planning and wealth management solutions. Our clients are individuals, private business owners, entrepreneurs, and fast-growing companies seeking to create and preserve their wealth through personalized attention and tailored financial solutions.  

Behind the products and services, all banks are only as good as their employees. Our greatest asset is our team of trusted bankers, commercial lenders, and wealth advisors. We consistently ensure a hands-on, holistic approach to managing and securing our clients’ long-term financial wellbeing.  

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