Amerant appoints Carlos Gafiliola as interim CEO amid restructuring

Amerant Bancorp announced that senior executive Carlos Gafiliola will serve as interim chief executive officer, stepping into the role as the bank reports a $28.9 million rise in non‑interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2025 [1]. The expense spike stems from restructuring actions, contract terminations and staff separations tied to a broader effort to reset the bank’s operating structure.

Management framed the move as part of a three‑year strategic plan approved in December, which emphasizes disciplined credit review, balance‑sheet right‑sizing and a push toward a sub‑60 % efficiency ratio by 2027 [1]. Amerant’s assets fell to $9.8 billion, down from $10.4 billion, as the firm shed non‑core deposits and reduced loan balances to stay below the $10 billion threshold that triggers additional regulatory scrutiny [1]. Concurrently, non‑performing assets rose to 1.9 % of assets, reflecting a proactive downgrade of at‑risk commercial real‑estate and Florida‑focused loans [1].

The restructuring drive also includes a deep review of 85 % of the commercial loan portfolio, with targeted downgrades and sales aimed at improving credit quality and restoring external confidence [1]. While net interest margin compressed to 3.78 % and core efficiency sits at 72.58 %, executives expect the one‑time costs to clear by Q4 2025, paving the way for normalized expenses of $67–68 million in Q4 2026 and a gradual path toward the 60 % efficiency goal [1].

Gafiliola’s appointment underscores Amerant’s focus on execution risk; the bank must translate its cost‑cutting and credit‑discipline measures into stable earnings as macroeconomic pressures and commercial‑real‑estate stress persist. The real test will be whether the restructuring and leadership change can deliver the promised credit‑quality improvements and cost efficiencies without further eroding profitability.