Tompkins Financial Corporation Earns Coveted Position on Piper Sandler’s Sm-All Stars List, Marking a Milestone in Small-Cap Banking Excellence
In a recognition that underscores its long-standing commitment to strong financial discipline and sustainable growth, Tompkins Financial Corporation (NYSE American: TMP) has been named to the Piper Sandler “Sm-All Stars” Class of 2025, a list that celebrates the highest-performing small-cap banks and thrifts across the United States. For Tompkins, a financial institution with deep community roots and a legacy of stability, this honor reflects not just a single year of performance but decades of prudent strategy, consistent execution, and dedication to serving customers across multiple regions.
The announcement places Tompkins alongside a select group of small-cap banks recognized annually by Piper Sandler, one of the nation’s leading investment banks and a highly respected authority in financial services research. As the industry navigates persistent economic uncertainty—shaped by interest rate fluctuations, evolving credit conditions, and shifts in customer expectations—the ability to maintain strong performance metrics across multiple categories is both rare and commendable. Piper Sandler’s recognition signals that Tompkins stands out as a model for resilience and discipline within the competitive landscape of community and regional banking.
A Benchmark of Excellence in Small-Cap Banking
Piper Sandler’s “Sm-All Stars” program is widely viewed as a benchmark for identifying the nation’s top-performing small financial institutions. Banks included on this list are not selected casually; each undergoes rigorous analysis across key categories such as:
- Earnings growth and stability
- Profitability and returns
- Asset quality and credit performance
- Capital strength
- Balance sheet management
- Operational efficiency
Only institutions that outperform their peers across these metrics qualify for inclusion. For the Class of 2025, Tompkins Financial’s performance firmly positioned it among this elite cohort.
Piper Sandler emphasizes that the purpose of the Sm-All Stars list is to identify institutions with exceptional potential for long-term outperformance. These institutions tend to demonstrate balanced operating strategies, risk-aware decision-making, and a reliable commitment to shareholder value. Tompkins’ ability to score highly across these categories signals that its strategies are not only effective but also sustainable in a rapidly changing environment.
A Milestone Reflecting Strategic Discipline
The leadership team at Tompkins Financial Corporation has long emphasized the importance of strategic consistency, even during periods of economic uncertainty. This year’s recognition by Piper Sandler serves as a validation of that philosophy.
“We are honored to be named among this elite group of financial institutions,” said Stephen S. Romaine, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tompkins Financial Corporation, in acknowledging the award. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our team and the strength of our strategic approach. By focusing on sound fundamentals and customer-centric solutions, we continue to create long-term value for our clients, communities, and shareholders.”
Romaine’s comments reflect the bank’s deep-seated commitment to relationship-driven banking—an approach that prioritizes trust, transparency, and long-term partnership over short-term gains. This philosophy, which has guided Tompkins for more than 185 years, serves as a foundation for its growth strategy and operational success.
Navigating a Challenging Financial Landscape
The past several years have presented significant challenges for small and mid-sized financial institutions. Rapid interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, periods of tightening credit conditions, and increased regulatory scrutiny have reshaped the operating environment. At the same time, technological innovation and changes in consumer expectations have accelerated the need for digital transformation within community banking.
Tompkins has managed these pressures through a combination of disciplined lending practices, strong capital management, and continued investment in customer experience. Its approach has been defined by:
- Maintaining asset quality through cautious credit underwriting
- Strengthening liquidity and capital positions
- Enhancing digital banking capabilities without compromising personalized service
- Diversifying revenue streams through wealth management and advisory services
- Prioritizing community impact and corporate stewardship
These strategic pillars have not only enabled Tompkins to weather periods of economic volatility but have also positioned it to seize new growth opportunities as conditions stabilize.
Financial Strength Rooted in Community Banking Tradition
Founded in 1836, Tompkins Financial Corporation has grown from a small regional institution into a multibank financial services holding company with a meaningful presence across Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York as well as the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. While its footprint has expanded, Tompkins has continued to operate with the mindset of a community-focused bank—prioritizing customer relationships, local decision-making, and support of regional economies.
Its primary banking subsidiary, Tompkins Community Bank, serves individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations through a mix of traditional banking services and modern technological solutions. Tompkins Community Bank has consistently been recognized for service excellence, competitive deposit and lending products, and its commitment to financial education and local community initiatives.
Expanding Strength Through Wealth Management and Advisory Services
In addition to its banking operations, Tompkins Financial Corporation operates a robust wealth management unit under the Tompkins Financial Advisors brand. This division provides:
- Investment management
- Trust and estate services
- Retirement and financial planning
- Tax strategy and long-term wealth preservation
The expansion of its wealth advisory capabilities reflects Tompkins’ commitment to diversified financial services and offers customers a more holistic suite of solutions.
Wealth management has played an increasingly important role in the company’s growth strategy, contributing to steady fee-based revenue and helping buffer the institution against interest-rate-sensitive fluctuations.
A Culture That Drives Performance
While financial metrics are essential to earning a place on the Piper Sandler Sm-All Stars list, organizational culture also plays an essential role in performance consistency. Tompkins’ emphasis on:
- Employee empowerment
- Ethical business conduct
- Transparent communication
- Community involvement
has fostered a workplace environment where teams are encouraged to take ownership of customer relationships and uphold the company’s mission of service.
CEO Stephen Romaine has consistently highlighted the importance of a values-driven culture, noting that financial performance is ultimately a reflection of people working collaboratively toward shared goals. This culture is also central to Tompkins’ ability to attract and retain talent—an increasingly critical factor in the competitive landscape of community banking.
Creating Value for Shareholders and Communities
Tompkins’ recognition by Piper Sandler is not only a celebration of financial strength but also a reflection of its broader role within the communities it serves. Through local lending, economic development initiatives, and philanthropic support, the company has demonstrated the interconnected relationship between community vitality and institutional sustainability.
The bank’s community engagement efforts include support for:
- Local nonprofits
- Workforce development programs
- Affordable housing initiatives
- Educational outreach
- Environmental stewardship
This commitment reinforces Tompkins’ belief that responsible corporate citizenship plays a direct role in creating long-term value for shareholders and customers alike.
A Future Built on Stability and Strategic Vision
As Tompkins Financial Corporation steps into 2025 with this new honor, its leadership remains focused on the horizon—seeking opportunities for innovation, prudent expansion, and long-term stability. The recognition from Piper Sandler is both a milestone and a motivator, affirming the strength of the company’s long-term strategy while reinforcing the importance of staying adaptable in a changing financial landscape.
The years ahead will likely bring new challenges: shifts in interest rates, evolving regulatory frameworks, emerging competitors in the fintech and community banking space, and increased expectations for digital convenience. Yet Tompkins’ demonstrated ability to maintain strong credit quality, manage capital prudently, and deliver consistent performance suggests that it is well-prepared to meet those challenges head-on.
The inclusion of Tompkins Financial Corporation in the Piper Sandler Sm-All Stars Class of 2025 is a significant moment in the company’s history. It recognizes the institution’s enduring stability, its commitment to sound financial management, and its unwavering focus on customers and community.
With a legacy stretching back more than 185 years, Tompkins continues to stand as a model for what community banking can achieve when guided by disciplined strategy, robust governance, and a commitment to shared prosperity. As the financial landscape continues to shift, Tompkins’ recognition serves as both an affirmation of its strengths and a reminder of the powerful role that mission-driven banking can play in shaping the economic future of the regions it serves.
For more information about Tompkins Financial Corporation and its services, visit www.tompkinsfinancial.com.
