MINNEAPOLIS – February 11, 2026 – Associated Bank’s Associated Investment Services and its Director, David Kuipers, have been named Kehrer Group 2025 Top Directors Finalists in the Large Firms category, marking the fifth consecutive year the organization has ranked amongst the top 10. Associated Investment Services has finished in the top five in four of the last five years.
The Kehrer Group Top Directors Awards recognize investment services leaders at banks and credit unions across four categories based on advisor count: Small Firms (fewer than seven advisors), Mid-Size Firms (7–24 advisors), Large Firms (24–50 advisors), and Mega Firms (more than 50 advisors).
“This recognition reflects the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of every member of our organization, including the Associated Bank and Private Wealth colleagues that support our mutual success,” said David Kuipers, president and CEO, Associated Investment Services, Inc. “Being recognized for five years in a row is incredibly meaningful, as it is not all about one person or one year of financial results, and I am grateful to work alongside such talented colleagues who have a shared vision of sustained excellence.”
Established in 2021, the Kehrer Group Top Directors Awards honor executives who manage investment services programs within banks and credit unions using data-driven annual performance metrics, including revenue, asset growth, and household penetration. The 2025 awards, based on 2024 performance data, recognized 35 top leaders from a field of 206 nominees.
“We continue to innovate wealth care provision by elevating the quality of advice, consistency, and continuity in client relationship management practices,” said Jayne Hladio, executive vice president, president Associated Bank Private Wealth. “We thank our talented advisory team for their exceptional efforts and our valued clients for their loyalty.”
Award recipients are evaluated using a comprehensive scorecard that incorporates more than 50 metrics, ranging from year-over-year revenue growth to advisor productivity. This multi-dimensional approach is designed to measure sustainable, long-term success across investment services organizations.
ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $45 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 nearly 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri. 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 www.associatedbank.com