GlobeNewswire Inc | Jul 30, 2021 12:00PM EDT

July 30, 2021

PHOENIX, July 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arizona Bank & Trust, powered by HTLF (Heartland Financial USA, Inc. NASDAQ: HTLF), introduced its new Home Improvement Loan for Low- to Moderate-Income consumer borrowers. The new loan product is structured to help low- to moderate-income borrowers access much needed credit.

Were proud to launch this new loan product to help the communities we serve, said Bill Callahan, President and CEO at Arizona Bank & Trust. Arizona Bank & Trust is dedicated to meeting the needs of our customers by providing access to credit. The new Home Improvement loan will provide credit for those who need it most.

The new Home Improvement Loan is secured by the borrowers primary residence. The loan is a 60-month term for loan amounts of $5,001-$14,999.

This new product is part of a broader initiative at Arizona Bank & Trust and HTLF to help consumers in need of credit. The Forbes Best Bank has significantly increased consumer lending in 2021:

-- Created a new, popular Buy Local loan that provides credit up to $5,000 for unexpected expenses or to finish your next project while shopping local to support your favorite small businesses. -- Launched a new HELOC promotion in January 2021. -- Launched a new special on Home Equity Installment Loans in January 2021.

Arizona Bank & Trusts decision to increase consumer lending comes at a time when some larger, national trillionaire banks have announced they are discontinuing their lending, including no longer offering HELOCs to new loan applicants or discontinuing their personal line of credit lending.

HTLF is a consortium of community banks in 12 states. We have the size and strength of a larger regional bank but operate with local leadership and decision making. That allows us to offer products and services that our customers and communities need, said Kevin Karrels, EVP, Head of Retail Banking.

About Arizona Bank & TrustArizona Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of Heartland Financial USA, Inc., operating under the brand name HTLF, is a state chartered bank with more than$1.7 billion in assets and offices in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. Arizona Bank & Trust provides an array of products and services to fulfill the financial needs of individuals and businesses, specializing in business lending and deposit services, and provides a wide variety of personal credit and deposit services along with complete electronic banking programs. Visitwww.arizbank.comfor more information. Arizona Bank & Trust is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

About HTLFHeartland Financial USA, Inc., operating under the brand name HTLF, is a financial services company with assets of $18.37 billion. HTLF has banks serving communities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Arizona, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. HTLF is committed to its core commercial business, supported by a strong retail operation, and provides a diversified line of financial services including treasury management, residential mortgage, wealth management, investment and insurance. Additional information is available atwww.htlf.com.

CONTACT:Patrisha GonzalezPGonzalez@ArizBank.com