Louis M. Ferreira Joins Banesco U.S.A. As Executive Vice President / Chief Credit Officer

CORAL GABLES Fla., April 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In accordance with Banesco USA's push for Diversified Prudent Growth for Sustainable Profitability, the Bank has hired Louis M. (Lou) Ferreira as Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer.   Mr. Ferreira brings to Banesco USA a wealth of executive banking experience, both in the public and private sectors.   In this new position, he will oversee Banesco USA's credit risk activities in Florida and Puerto Rico.  "We are very proud and enthusiastic to bring Lou Ferreira on board," stated Banesco USA Chief Executive Officer Rafael (Rafo) Saldana.   "He is a proven credit expert, and his vast expertise in bank oversight, BSA and anti-money laundering is a unique combination of assets for Banesco."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130413/FL93508 )

Mr. Ferreira has most recently served as National Bank Examiner in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.   There he supervised all OCC business lines, including community, mid-size and large banks.   As a senior examiner, he led reviews and has firsthand knowledge in dealing with complex financial institutions in New York and South Florida.

Prior to serving at the OCC, Ferreira was Chief Lending Officer at Banco Santander Central Hispano, S.A. in New York City, where he managed a $4 billion loan portfolio comprised of domestic corporate and emerging markets.  He has also served as Commercial Lending Officer at National Westminster Bank, N.A. in New Jersey, and as Director of Urban Affairs at the Newark Housing Development and Rehabilitation department for the City of Newark, N.J.

Ferreira is a Commercial Credit specialist and a Bank Secrecy Act / Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) regulatory expert.  He is a Commissioned National Bank Examiner by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist by the Association of Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS).  He holds a B.A. in Urban Studies and Community Development from Rutgers University.

About Banesco U.S.A.
Banesco USA is a State of Florida Chartered bank with deep roots in the community, both in South Florida and Puerto Rico.  It is rated "well capitalized" and its strong capital position allows it to provide funds to clients investing in worthy commercial or real estate projects.  With a mantra of Diversified Prudent Growth for Sustainable Profitability, it responds to a client's financial needs much faster than other banks with their main offices outside the state.   A member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Banesco USA has its main offices at Banesco Center, 150 Alhambra Circle, in Coral Gables, Florida. For more information, visit www.BanescoUSA.com.

SOURCE Banesco USA