Matthew Liwag

Matthew Liwag has finally found the place he belongs.

“It’s been a whirlwind – I can’t believe it’s been over a year and a half since I started working at First Merchants as a Workplace Banker,” he shared. “I love it. I love everything I do about my job.”

As a Workplace Banker, Matthew works to build community relationships and to share how a solid banking relationship can help someone grow financially. In his 15 years of banking, this role presents unique opportunities. Being a Workplace Banker puts him directly in the community, equipped with the tools he needs to help people navigate tricky financial situations.

“I have the ability to help anyone that needs help – whether they come into one of our banking centers or whether I run into them at an event,” he said. “It’s all about relationships.”

And it’s those relationships he leans on as Matthew works to help his community. Matthew is a frequent guest at organizations across southeastern Michigan, delivering talks and running financial wellness workshops. He teaches the young, the old, and every age in between – from 4-H clubs to senior living facilities.

His goal with each workshop or talk is to help others acquire financial skills and the knowledge to make sound financial decisions.

“So I cover a lot of topics,” he explained. “With kids, I’m teaching them how to write checks and the basics of banking, and with seniors, we talk a lot about fraud and identity theft.”

Seniors, he said, are always surprised to learn about the lengths scammers will go to to steal personal information – while the younger generation is always interested in learning about the myriad of ways a bank can help them achieve success.

Matthew’s favorite place to run workshops, however, is at the Downriver Community Center, where he coaches a group of women seeking a second chance.

“Every time I go there, they have so many questions and stories they can tell,” he shared. “You can see a positive change as we’re talking. It’s not always me teaching them – they teach me things, too.”

Talking to that group and learning about their lives, Matthew takes notes on how he can improve the workshop for the next group – targeting specific areas or challenges this group faces. It also, he explained, has taught him to see those within his community differently.

“Everyone comes from a different story,” he shared. “You just never know what that person’s going through until they share it with you – if they share it with you. I always hope I’m changing someone’s life for the good, but I have to keep in mind that I don’t know for certain, so it’s important that I be kind and always try to be my best.”

Matthew is excited to continue helping his community prosper as a representative of First Merchants Bank, and said the culture and welcome he’s found at First Merchants sets the bank apart.

“Of the four banks I’ve been at, First Merchants Bank is absolutely the best bank I’ve ever worked for,” he shared. “And then there’s the tagline – helping you prosper – it embodies what we do here, and I’ve found that once people hear that, they listen. Most of all, though, I’m grateful for the connections I’ve built with everyone – they know they can count on me, I know I can count on them.”

When he’s not out helping his community, Matthew likes to spend time with his wife and two children.

Want to make a difference in your own community? We have open positions – find your passion: Careers With Us | First Merchants Bank

First Merchants Bank’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility compels us to invest in our communities by finding ways to reduce inequalities, improve the quality of our neighborhoods, and promote positive economic mobility though our five community pillars: Employee Empowerment; Community Investments and Charitable Giving; Financial Wellness; Community Home Lending; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This series features First Merchants teammates who embody the spirit and impact of the company’s Vision: “to enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.”