Amerant Bancorp Announces CEO Carlos Iafigliola Employment Agreement

What Happened
Amerant Bancorp Inc. filed an 8-K dated September 8, 2026 reporting that the company and its subsidiary Amerant Bank, N.A. entered into an employment agreement with President and CEO Carlos Iafigliola effective September 4, 2026. Mr. Iafigliola has served as President and CEO since May 18, 2026 and will continue in those roles (and, subject to election, as a director). The agreement runs through the third anniversary of the effective date with automatic one‑year renewals unless either party gives 60 days’ notice not to renew, and includes standard termination triggers and post‑change‑in‑control (CIC) extensions.

Key Details

• Base salary: $875,000 per year; base salary reviewed at least annually.
• Bonus opportunity: target annual bonus at least 90% of base salary; maximum opportunity at least 135% of base.
• Perks: $1,000 monthly car stipend; $20,000 annual country club (or similar) stipend; minimum $2 million death benefit under split‑dollar or similar insurance.
• Severance: if terminated without Cause or for Good Reason (pre‑CIC), severance = 2x (base + applicable bonus average) paid over 24 months; if terminated within 24 months after a CIC, lump‑sum severance = 2.99x (base + applicable bonus) plus up to 24 months of group medical coverage (or cash equivalent). Severance and certain payments are subject to release, regulatory limits (including golden parachute rules), and applicable banking laws.

Why It Matters
This agreement formalizes compensation and severance protections for Amerant’s CEO, providing leadership stability and clarifying potential cash and benefit obligations for the company. The disclosed base salary, bonus targets and enhanced CIC severance are material items investors watch because they affect executive expenses and potential post‑CIC liabilities. Payments are conditioned on releases and regulatory compliance, which can limit amounts actually payable under banking and tax rules.