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Based in Red Bank, OceanFirst Financial – the parent company of OceanFirst Bank – operates from nearly 50 locations in New Jersey. Beyond that, the institution has branches and loan offices in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maryland. Like many banks, it had a tough time in 2023 as a variety of challenges rippled through the national and regional economies.

So, the beginning of a new year seemed like a good time to check in with OceanFirst CEO Chris Maher about what he is expecting in 2024 and beyond. Maher serves as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and is a member and former chairman of the board for the New Jersey Bankers Association. Additionally, last summer he was appointed chair of the Monmouth University board of trustees.

In short, Maher’s work gives him unique insights into the state of the economy and the banking industry.

In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Maher discusses the state of the lending market, the outlook for businesses in New Jersey – especially those along the shore – and what his work with the university means to him.

To watch the interview, click on the video below (the podcast link can be found at the bottom of the page):

To listen instead, click on the podcast below: