St. Louis-based Commercial Industrial Finance (CIF) became Republic Bank Finance following the final completion of the merger of CIF with Republic Bank. CIF was acquired by Republic Bank & Trust Company and its parent company, Republic Bancorp, in March, as part of the acquisition of CIF’s former parent company, CBank. 

Republic Bank Finance is now a division of Republic Bank & Trust and will build on CIF’s history as a direct provider of equipment finance and leasing solutions. Scott Hawkins will serve as president of Republic Bank Finance, continuing his leadership of the St. Louis-based division. 

Services offered by Republic Bank Finance include customized vendor solutions for manufacturers and dealers for acquisition of equipment by their customers; consulting services for manufacturers and dealers to develop new solutions and service to increase sales profitably; and specialty services in energy, manufacturing, healthcare and transportation industries. 

“When you combine the 30 years of experience that Scott and his team of veteran finance professionals bring with Republic Bank’s more than 40 years of providing exceptional financial customer service, you create a truly powerful resource for companies seeking sustainable growth,” Andy Powell, chief lending officer of Republic Bank, said. 

At the time of the merger, all CIF employees became Republic Bank Finance employees.  

“This merger expands our capital and resources allowing us to better serve current and future customers,” Hawkins said. “Republic Bank’s culture is completely aligned with our focus on exceptional customer service and creating new opportunities for our customers and employees to grow.” 

Hawkins will be part of Republic’s multi-faceted commercial and corporate lending programs, reporting to Powell.