Webster Bank was named one of the “most reputable banks” in the country, according to the 2017 Survey of Bank Reputations, conducted by the independent organization Reputation Institute. In addition, Webster also earned the highest score of any Northeast-based banks and ranked seventh overall in the U.S. The annual survey measures U.S. consumers’ perceptions of major bank brands.

“Webster’s community-minded, values-guided bankers excel in service to our customers and communities each and every day,” said Chairman and CEO Jim Smith. “We stand by our customers through thick and thin as we fulfill our mission to help businesses and consumers achieve their financial goals. We especially appreciate this recognition because we understand that our reputation is only as good as our customers’ confidence in us.”

Stephen Hahn-Griffiths, vice president and consulting director, U.S., for Reputation Institute, added, “For a bank, having a strong reputation is important, because it ensures customers will do business with you, policymakers and regulators will give you license to operate, and potential employees will be more willing to work with you.”

The 2017 Annual Survey of Bank Reputations scores and rankings are based on more than 12,000 ratings collected via an online questionnaire in the first quarter of 2017. They measure the general public’s perception of where the company stands on seven key rational dimensions of reputation: products and services,innovation, leadership, workplace, performance, citizenship and governance. Webster rated highly on innovation to place it among the top five in that category.