Southern Indiana Business Report
JASPER – German American Bancorp was one of three Indiana banks named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Banks for 2025.
German American earned a No. 2 ranking on the Forbes list of 200 eligible banks. Only two other Indiana banks made the list – 1st Source Bank at No. 26 and Lakeland Financial No. 45. Forbes released the list of 100 Best Banks last week.
According to the Forbes list, German American has total assets of $6.3 billion and 11% operating revenue growth.
The Forbes’ list looked at 11 metrics measuring growth, credit quality and profitability for the 12 months ending Sept. 30, 2024, as well as stock performance in the 12 months through Jan. 10, 2025. The 10 equally weighted financial metrics are net interest margin; return on average tangible common equity; return on average assets; CET1 ratio; efficiency ratio; nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets; reserves as a percentage of total assets; risk-based capital ratio; operating revenue growth; and net charge-offs as a percentage of total loans.
Grabbing the top spot in the rankings was Southern Bank, based in Mount Olive, North Carolina.
In announcing the list, Forbes reported regional banks often operate more efficiently than large nationwide banks because of having lower expenses on staff and technology.
German American, which also made the list in 2024, moved up in the rankings, jumping from No. 19 a year ago.
About German American
German American has 70 offices and ATMs in Indiana and Kentucky. The Jasper-based financial institution recently completed a merger with Heartland Bank of Ohio. The deal allows German American to expand into Ohio markets.