MIRAMAR, Fla. – March 14, 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 new online business banking platform, Tropical Financial can now deliver a full suite of Florida commercial banking services comparable to those offered by large national banks. The upgrade allows the credit union to maintain the personalized, relationship-driven approach of a local financial institution while expanding its digital capabilities.
The expanded platform allows Tropical Financial to offer more customized solutions, faster decisions on business loans, and a higher-touch experience than traditional banks. The platform supports a broad range of business needs, including customized business loans, treasury management services, and Zelle® for business. It also specializes in commercial real estate loans for medical professionals who wish to own rather than rent their offices.
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 and serve the Florida business community, 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, President and CEO 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.”
For more information on Tropical Financial’s commercial business and commercial lending services, please visit Tropical Financial’s business services website.
About Tropical Financial Credit Union
Tropical Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution whose deposits are federally insured. Anyone who lives or works in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Lee, Collier, Hendry, Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte or Monroe counties is eligible to join.
Founded in 1935 by employees of the former Southern Bell with just a few hundred dollars, Tropical Financial has grown into a trusted financial institution serving members across Southeast and Southwest Florida.
For more information, visit www.tropicalfcu.com or follow @tropicalfcu on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.