Raymond James Bank is about more than just banking. Through our holistic approach to finance, we offer innovative and diversified products and services to the public and to clients of Raymond James Financial. Additionally, as an affiliate of Raymond James, our bank is founded on the same core values as our parent company. We put clients first – always, we act with integrity, we think long term, and value independence.
Amanda Stevens,
CEO
Amanda Stevens is the CEO of Raymond James Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial. Amanda joined Raymond James Bank in 2018 as the chief operations and strategy officer.
Amanda’s background includes over 30 years in the financial services industry. Previously, she served as the chief financial officer of USAmeriBancorp, Inc., where she was responsible for developing and executing the financial and strategic objectives of the company. Prior to that role, she served as an executive at Crowe in the financial services group.
Q&A with Amanda Stevens
You’ve been with Raymond James Bank since 2018 and became CEO in 2024. What are the most notable shifts you’ve seen in the Tampa Bay region’s economy in the past five years, and what has surprised you most?
The biggest shift has been Tampa Bay’s evolution from a region that attracted businesses because it was affordable into one that’s attracting them because it’s competitive. We have a growing concentration of financial services, technology, healthcare, and professional services, and those industries are reinforcing one another.
What has surprised me most is the pace. Population growth certainly accelerated, but what really stands out is the caliber of talent and companies choosing to build here. Five years ago, many organizations viewed Tampa Bay as a satellite location. Today, it’s increasingly viewed as a place where strategic decisions are made and where leadership teams want to be. That changes the trajectory of the region in a very meaningful way.
How has Tampa Bay’s growth as a financial services hub changed the way Raymond James Bank thinks about talent, real estate, and long-term investment in the region?
Tampa Bay’s continued emergence as a financial services hub has reinforced the value of investing in the region as our headquarters. The region has developed a much deeper and more diverse talent pool, particularly in banking, technology, risk management, and other specialized disciplines that are critical to our business. That gives us greater confidence in building capabilities here for the long term.
We’re not just planning for today’s needs, we’re building an organization that’s positioned for the future. That means developing leaders, investing in technology, and creating an environment where collaboration and innovation can thrive. As Raymond James Bank continues to evolve, Tampa Bay remains an important part of that story.
From your perspective, what does the influx of new residents and businesses to Tampa Bay mean for the region’s economic trajectory over the next five years?
I think it creates tremendous opportunity, but growth alone isn’t enough.
If we continue investing in infrastructure, education, workforce development, and housing, Tampa Bay can become one of the premier business markets in the country. We have the benefit of a diversified economy, strong community leadership, and a culture that encourages collaboration rather than competition between organizations.
The next phase of growth will be defined less by how many people move here and more by how well we develop talent, support innovation, and build companies that create long-term careers. If we do that well, I believe the region’s best years are still ahead.
Why is involvement in the Tampa Bay EDC important to you personally, and how does it connect to Raymond James Bank’s business interests?
I’ve spent much of my career building a Bank and helping other businesses grow in Tampa Bay, so this region is more than where I work, it’s where I’ve invested my career and where my children are now launching their careers.
The EDC brings together business leaders who recognize that none of us succeeds in isolation. A stronger regional economy benefits everyone, whether that’s attracting employers, developing talent, improving infrastructure, or creating opportunities for the next generation.
For Raymond James Bank, it’s a natural fit. Our success is closely tied to the strength of the communities we serve. Supporting sustainable economic growth helps create stronger businesses, stronger clients, and ultimately a stronger region.
What’s one thing the Tampa Bay business community should be doing now to make sure the region’s growth stays sustainable and inclusive?
As a community, we need to invest more aggressively in developing our own talent. We have tremendous local educational systems.
Recruiting people to Tampa Bay will always be important, but our long-term advantage will come from creating opportunities for people who are already here. That means stronger partnerships between businesses, universities, community colleges, and workforce development organizations.
At the same time, we need to continue developing leaders, including people who can lead organizations through change. Economic growth is sustainable when people across the community see a pathway to participate in it.
As CEO of Raymond James Bank, what gives you the greatest optimism about Tampa Bay’s future?
The thing that gives me the most optimism is the people.
Tampa Bay has developed a culture where leaders genuinely want one another to succeed. There’s a willingness to collaborate across industries, share ideas, and invest in the community that isn’t always present in larger markets.
I’ve found that whether you’re talking with entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, educators, or executives at large companies, there’s a shared belief that we’re building something special together. That collaborative mindset, combined with the incredible talent coming into the region, is what makes me confident Tampa Bay’s future is exceptionally bright.
