New affiliation will help Bank Independent expand its financial planning offering

Tarah Lankster

Teresa Turner

MADISON – Bank Independent announced today that it has selected Ameriprise Financial as its broker-dealer operating under the name Independent Investments Group and added Teresa Turner and Tarah Lankster to the financial services team.  Through the new relationship, Independent Investments Group will offer comprehensive financial planning and investment solutions to its clients.

“We were drawn to Ameriprise because of their solid track record of helping people feel more confident in their finances. Ameriprise’s approach of delivering personalized advice and service fits well with Bank Independent’s philosophy,” said Rick Wardlaw, CEO of Bank Independent, “Our customers have told us financial planning is a growing need, and we are looking forward to leveraging the resources of Ameriprise and the experience of Teresa and Tarah to serve our customers holistically.”

With over 40 years of combined banking and wealth management experience, Teresa Turner will join the Independent Investments Group as a Financial Advisor and Tarah Lankster will join the team as a Financial Sales Assistant.  Teresa will be located at the Bank Independent sales office on Pine Street in Florence and will be available by appointment at any of the 28 sales office locations.  Tarah will be based at the Athens Downtown sales office and work closely with Teresa to serve the needs of their clients.

Independent Investments Group will help its clients create personalized financial plans and manage their investments to achieve their financial goals. Additionally, clients will have access to a full range of services and products including retirement, estate, and college planning as well as mutual fund, insurance, annuities, and brokerage accounts.

“As a longstanding leader in financial planning, we are incredibly excited to work with Bank Independent through Independent Investments Group and provide our expertise, digital capabilities and solutions to its clients,” said Jay McAnelly, Group Vice President, Ameriprise Financial Institutions Group (AFIG). “Ameriprise has helped millions of individuals, families and business owners achieve their financial goals, and we look forward to doing the same for those who are served by Bank Independent.”

Ameriprise formed its Financial Institutions Group after acquiring Investment Professionals, Inc. (IPI) in 2017. Leveraging Ameriprise’s strength as a wealth manager and IPI’s expertise in serving the financial institutions market, the AFIG channel specializes in the on-site delivery of investment programs to banks and credit unions.

About Bank Independent

Since 1947, Bank Independent has taken pride in serving the customers who count on us to be there for them when they need us most. With 28 traditional Sales Offices across North Alabama and a Digital Sales Office serving customers across the country, we’re committed to providing the best service, designing the most desired products and creating an exceptional experience for each and every customer. As a local community bank, we believe in building relationships that run deep and last. All of our employees reside in our local communities and believe in giving back through volunteering. To become part of a bank that makes a positive difference in people’s lives, visit us at bibank.com.

About Independent Investments Group

Established in 2019, Independent Investments Group, part of Bank Independent, offers an investment services program through Ameriprise Financial Institutions Group, a channel of Ameriprise Financial Services. We offer on-site, tailored financial planning and investment solutions to help our customers reach their short-term and long-term financial goals.

About Ameriprise

At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 125 years. With extensive advisory, asset management and insurance capabilities and a nationwide network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors’ financial needs. For more information, or to find an Ameriprise financial advisor, visit ameriprise.com.