Miramar, FL (February 9, 2026) |
Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU), a leading not-for-profit financial institution serving South Florida and Southwest Florida, is significantly expanding its commercial and business banking services following major technology upgrades designed to better serve mid-sized companies, professionals, and real estate investors.
With the launch of a robust new online business banking platform, the credit union can now deliver a full suite of commercial services comparable to those offered by large national banks while maintaining the personalized, relationship-driven approach of a local financial institution.
The expanded platform allows Tropical Financial to offer more business services, more customized solutions, faster decisions on loans, and a higher-touch experience than traditional banks. The platform supports a broad range of business needs, including customized lending, cash management services, and Zelle for business. The credit union also makes multi-family investment loans, something that very few large banks offer.
Since lending and credit decisions are made onsite, Tropical Financial responds faster to applicants such as manufacturers, wholesalers and those offering professional services. The credit union’s support for the local business community means it operates with greater flexibility on terms and conditions than larger institutions.
To support this growth, the credit union has strengthened its commercial banking leadership team with the promotion of Tricia Cross to Business Banking Director and the addition of Samantha Zelaya as Business Relationship Manager.
“Tropical Financial now offers more than full-service business banking — we offer smarter, more responsive banking built around the needs of growing companies,” said Rick Shaw, CEO and President of Tropical Financial Credit Union. “Our technology investments have removed many of the limitations credit unions traditionally faced, allowing us to do nearly everything a big bank can do, but with faster decisions and a stronger focus on our members.”
As business demand has increased, Cross and Zelaya are leading the credit union’s enhanced commercial outreach across South Florida.
Cross brings more than 20 years of experience in business banking, including leadership roles at two national banks and one regional institution. After serving as senior business relationship manager at Tropical Financial for more than two years, she now oversees the continued growth and delivery of the credit union’s commercial services.
“With the right technology and experienced bankers in place, Tropical Financial delivers the tools businesses need to manage daily operations efficiently and scale with confidence,” Cross said. “Our expanding team is focused on providing hands-on financial guidance that helps local companies grow.”
Zelaya brings 12 years of experience as a professional consultant and branch manager at one of South Florida’s largest regional banks, where she helped businesses develop long-term financial strategies.
“The credit union’s business banking team has been incredible, helping us set up specialized accounts and offering guidance on their online business banking platform to meet our many needs,” said Angie Rodriguez, Business Manager of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Plantation. “Their patience and professionalism make them a true partner in our mission. And the fact that we have someone to talk to directly is a key feature.”