Peapack Private Bank & Trust Appoints A. Michael Smith as Chief Audit Executive

A. Michael Smith has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive at Peapack Private Bank & Trust, where he will lead the bank's internal audit function and drive strategic initiatives to support its continued expansion. With a career exceeding thirty years in auditing, risk management, and technology, Smith brings a reputation for fostering innovation and achieving excellence within financial services. His appointment signals Peapack's commitment to strengthening its governance and risk oversight as it grows.

Smith joins from Nasdaq, where he served as Chief Audit Executive and was instrumental in building a leading internal audit team. At Nasdaq, he leveraged advanced technologies to oversee immense transaction volumes across global markets. His prior experience includes a partnership at PwC, where he led internal audit transformation projects by integrating new technologies and innovative practices. Smith also held leadership roles at other major financial institutions and served as a partner at Deloitte & Touche, further solidifying his deep expertise in the field.

Beyond his executive roles, Smith is a noted contributor to the auditing profession. He is the author of Internal Audit of the Future: The Impact of Technology Innovation, a publication exploring how technology is transforming audit practices. Additionally, he holds a U.S. patent for an innovative method of auditing crypto assets, highlighting his forward-thinking approach. Smith holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University and maintains several professional certifications, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Peapack Private Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation, reported total assets of $7.1 billion and assets under management and/or administration of $11.8 billion as of March 31, 2025. Founded in 1921, the bank is known for its client-centric approach, offering personalized wealth management, investment banking, and commercial and personal banking services. Smith's appointment is poised to enhance the bank's audit capabilities, leveraging his technological acumen and extensive industry experience to navigate evolving risks and support sustainable growth in a competitive financial landscape.