Level One Bank - a Division of First Merchants Bank

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History of Level One Bank

Level One Bank is a community bank in Michigan that was created by a team of local business leaders and passionate bankers who believed in a better way to bank. Committed to the vision, many left their positions at larger financial institutions to build something new, something better. These entrepreneurs recognized the need for a bank that could provide the sophisticated products of a big bank with the local decision making and personal service of a community bank.

When we opened our doors in October 2007, the economy was on the precipice of a significant downturn and the banking industry was laden with mergers and acquisitions. Area banks were being acquired by larger regional banks, and as a result the business community was left without the option and benefits of local banking. Our founders believed local banks play a key role in the vitality of our community and the growth of local businesses. We positioned ourselves to meet the needs of our clients by listening and learning about them individually with a consultative approach. A stark contrast from the product pushing approach used at large financial institutions.

During the calamity of the Great Recession, Level One Bank was willing and able to meet the needs of clients who were often turned away by regional banks unwilling to provide credit to local businesses and individuals. Organic growth was augmented by strategies to acquire banks the FDIC was closing due to the stress of the recession. We acquired Michigan Heritage Bank in 2009 and shortly after Paramount Bank in 2010.

Rapid growth continued as we strengthened our core business, building a solid foundation in commercial banking, retail banking and mortgage lending while expanding our product suite and staffing model. We acquired Lotus Bank in 2015, Bank of Michigan in 2016, and Ann Arbor State Bank in 2020.

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