Associated Bank Strengthens Private Banking Team with Hiring of Matt Krutza for Milwaukee market

MILWAUKEE, July 15 2026 - Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) ("Associated" or "Company") today announced that Matt Krutza, AWMA®, has joined the organization as Private Banking group manager for the Milwaukee market, further strengthening the bank's investment in its Private Wealth business and relationship-based approach to serving affluent clients.

Krutza will lead Associated Bank's Milwaukee Private Banking team, reporting to Lisa Buetow, managing director of Private Banking. He will oversee a team of private bankers dedicated to delivering customized banking, lending and wealth solutions for high-net-worth individuals, families and business owners while driving continued growth across one of the bank's largest markets.

"Private Banking is an important part of our long-term growth strategy, and we're continuing to invest in exceptional talent to meet the evolving needs of our clients," said Buetow. "Matt is a collaborative leader with a strong track record of building high-performing teams, growing client relationships and delivering personalized financial guidance. His experience and leadership will help us continue expanding our Private Banking presence in Milwaukee while providing the high-touch service our clients value."

Krutza brings more than 20 years of banking and wealth management experience to Associated. Most recently, he served as director of Private Wealth and wealth advisor at First Business Bank, where he worked directly with clients while leading a team of wealth advisors serving areas of Wisconsin, like Brookfield, Madison, Appleton, Green Bay and Kansas City, Kan. During his tenure, he led business development efforts that helped double assets under management within the Private Wealth business.

"Private Banking is about much more than financial products, it's about understanding our clients' goals and helping them navigate life's most important financial decisions," said Jayne Hladio, executive vice president and president of Associated Bank Private Wealth. "Matt is a relationship-driven leader who shares our commitment to delivering exceptional advice and personalized service. His experience will strengthen our team and help us continue building lasting relationships throughout the Milwaukee market."

Earlier in his career, Krutza held progressive leadership roles in private wealth management and consumer banking at U.S. Bank, where he advised clients on complex financial needs and developed broad expertise in relationship management, lending and wealth planning.

"Associated Bank has built a strong reputation for putting relationships at the center of every client interaction," said Krutza. "I'm excited to join an organization that shares my belief that successful private banking starts with understanding each client's unique goals and delivering thoughtful, customized solutions."

Krutza earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Edgewood University and holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA^®) designation. He and his family live in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and enjoy spending time with extended family at the lake in Minocqua.

ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of approximately $50 billion and is the largest bank holding company based in Wisconsin. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from over 200 banking locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska. The Company also operates loan production offices in Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at https://www.associatedbank.com.