Continuing its steady growth of commercial banking in the East, Wells Fargo & Company  – No. 1 in total middle market banking share in the U.S. – announced it has opened its first Middle Market Banking office in Albany to serve the Capital Region of New York. Named as regional vice president and market leader for the new office is local commercial banking veteran Bryant Cassella.

Cassella brings 25 years of financial services experience at KeyBank with increasing roles and responsibilities to the new Wells Fargo Middle Market Banking office for upstate New York. Under Cassella’s leadership for the past 13 years, KeyBank’s middle market business grew significantly.

“Investing in the Capital Region has given Wells Fargo the ability to recruit who we believe to be the top commercial banking leader in the marketplace,” said John Manning, head of Wells Fargo Commercial Banking for the Eastern United States. “Under Bryant’s leadership, we will help middle market companies throughout the Capital Region succeed financially.”

In his new Wells Fargo role, Cassella will lead and grow the team now working with clients in upstate New York to offer a full suite of commercial banking products and services, including commercial and real estate loans, treasury management, global banking, foreign exchange, capital markets, and specialty lending divisions, including Food & Beverage and Agribusiness Finance. The new Wells Fargo Middle Market Banking office is located at 427 New Karner Road, Albany, along with the bank’s Treasury Management and Wells Fargo Advisors divisions.

“I am extremely excited to join the Wells Fargo team,” said Cassella. “Wells Fargo’s strength and deep-rooted commitment to middle market companies is unmatched, which allows our Middle Market Banking division to invest, grow, and lend in all cycles.”

Wells Fargo is No. 1 in total middle market banking share in the U.S.* With 150-plus offices in 38 states and four Canadian provinces, Wells Fargo Middle Market Commercial Banking provides local service, decision-making for businesses with $20 million, and higher in annual sales. Asset-based lending, commercial and real estate loans, and capital markets provide access to working capital for day-to-day operations and growth. Expertise and services are available to specialty industries, including food and agribusiness, healthcare, government, higher education, clean technology, and environmental services.