Change-Maker

Banker chases a green model — both in money and the environment

Ken LaRoe's mission-driven bank is zeroing in on $400 million in assets and a new headquarters.

By Brian Hartz
| 5:00 a.m. August 25, 2023
| 0 Free Articles Remaining!

Ken LaRoe founded Climate First Bank in 2021.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

Change — as in climate change — is at the core of Ken LaRoe’s latest banking venture.

Climate First Bank, the third community bank he’s founded, recently celebrated two years in business. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, it provides traditional banking services but its lending activity is heavily focused on financing solar-energy installations, electric vehicle charging stations and other green-based innovations.