Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation and Peapack Private Bank & Trust have appointed Robert Melle as Senior Managing Director and Senior Financial Advisor with the wealth management division, based at the firm's Park Avenue office in New York City. This appointment represents a significant strategic move for Peapack Private as it seeks to strengthen its position in Manhattan's competitive wealth management landscape, where established financial institutions dominate high-net-worth client services.
Melle brings over 25 years of financial industry experience to Peapack Private, having most recently served as Vice President and Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab, where he delivered comprehensive wealth management services to ultra-high- and high-net-worth clients. His career includes distinguished positions at Chase Investment Services Corporation and Citicorp Investment Services, all based in New York, giving him deep familiarity with the metropolitan area's financial ecosystem. The bank's expansion into Manhattan reflects broader trends of regional financial institutions seeking to capture market share in major urban centers where wealth concentration continues to grow.
Melle's track record includes overseeing asset management exceeding $1.2 billion, with advisory fee assets totaling more than $220 million, demonstrating his proven capability in serving high-net-worth clients. His consistent ranking in the top 25% of regional financial consultants and multiple achievement awards position him to contribute significantly to Peapack Private's growth strategy in the region. For clients, this appointment means access to enhanced wealth management services from an institution that provides comprehensive financial solutions through its platform at https://www.peapackprivate.com.
Melle's expertise spans wealth planning, asset allocation, investment strategy, and financial advisory services, with additional skills in relationship management, negotiation, risk mitigation, and strategic process alignment. His credentials include a bachelor's degree in business management from Adelphi University, Certified Wealth Strategist designation, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor certification, and current enrollment in the Certified Financial Planner program at Kaplan Financial Institution. These qualifications align with increasing client demand for certified professionals amid growing regulatory complexity in wealth management.
Peapack Private Bank & Trust, with total assets of $7.2 billion and assets under management and administration of $12.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, offers wealth management, investment banking, and commercial banking solutions with a client-centric approach. Founded in 1921, the institution has built its reputation on customized services for individuals, families, privately held businesses, family offices, and not-for-profit organizations. The addition of Melle to Peapack Private's wealth management team signals the bank's commitment to expanding its Manhattan operations and competing effectively in the New York financial services market, where established players have traditionally dominated high-net-worth client relationships.
This strategic hire matters because it reflects how regional financial institutions are aggressively pursuing growth in major metropolitan markets by recruiting established talent with proven track records. Melle's extensive experience managing substantial client assets and his deep roots in New York's financial community position Peapack Private to better serve Manhattan's affluent individuals and families who require sophisticated wealth management solutions. For the broader financial services landscape in New York City, this move indicates increased competition for high-net-worth clients, potentially leading to more service options and specialized offerings for wealthy individuals seeking comprehensive financial planning.
