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Republic Bank Launches New Loan Program to Provide Immediate Financial
Relief to Local Federal Employees
The Republic Bank Federal Impacted Employee Support Loan provides a zero percent payroll bridge for federal employees impacted by the partial government shutdown
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 27, 2026) – Republic Bank & Trust Company (“Republic” or “the Bank”) is proud to offer the Republic Bank Federal Impacted Employee Support Loan, a temporary, zero-interest loan designed to help ease financial strain until pay resumes for federal employees impacted by the ongoing partial government shutdown. This initiative was designed to launch immediately, prioritizing rapid enablement to quickly support community members in need of financial relief.
“Republic Bank exists to serve the community, and our team is dedicated to ensuring federal employees throughout Louisville are supported during this uncertain time,” said Logan Pichel, President and CEO of Republic Bank. “Our intent with the Republic Bank Federal Impacted Employee Support Loan is to provide immediate financial relief by using existing unsecured loan processes, with a focus on speed, simplicity, and operational feasibility, to help our friends and neighbors during this time of financial insecurity.”
The Republic Bank Federal Impacted Employee Support Loan is a temporary, zero-interest loan program designed specifically to cover essential living expenses. The program is intended as a short-term financial bridge until federal pay resumes and back pay is issued.
Employees of the Department of Homeland Security – including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Global Entry/Trusted Traveler Programs who work in Louisville – are eligible to apply.
“Essential federal employees – especially TSA officers – play a critical role in keeping our communities safe and operational, and many of them are currently doing so under significant financial strain,” Steve Trager, Executive Chair of Republic Bank added. “Republic Bank is pleased to offer immediate, practical support for these frontline professionals, and we thank them for their leadership and for everything they continue doing to support public safety and airport operations.
”Eligible applicants can receive up to 90 days’ worth of their net pay, which is capped at $10,000, through the unsecured consumer loan. The Republic Bank Federal Impacted Employee Support Loan has a 90-day term with the option to renew once for an additional 90 days if the partial government shutdown continues. Loan repayment is due at maturity or upon receipt of federal back pay, whichever occurs first.
“We’re grateful to Republic Bank for supporting our friends and neighbors that are experiencing financial hardship due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, including the hardworking TSA employees that have kept our travelers safe and moving as we enter an incredibly busy travel season,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “As we have shown time and time again in challenging and uncertain circumstances, Louisville is a community that steps up and supports each other."
Applications are available for in-person submission at all Louisville Republic Bank banking center locations. Eligible applicants must have or open a Republic Bank checking account to fund the loan. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit RepublicBank.com/FedSupport or call 888-584-3600.
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About Republic Bank
Republic Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is the parent company of Republic Bank & Trust Company (the “Bank”). The Bank currently has 47 banking centers in communities within five metropolitan statistical areas (“MSAs”) across five states: 22 banking centers located within the Louisville MSA in Louisville, Prospect, Shelbyville, and Shepherdsville in Kentucky, and Floyds Knobs, Jeffersonville, and New Albany in Indiana; six banking centers within the Lexington MSA in Georgetown and Lexington in Kentucky; eight banking centers within the Cincinnati MSA in Cincinnati and West Chester in Ohio, and Bellevue, Covington, Crestview Hills, and Florence in Kentucky; seven banking centers within the Tampa MSA in Largo, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, Seminole, and Tampa in Florida; and four banking centers within the Nashville MSA in Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nashville and Spring Hill, Tennessee. The Bank offers online banking at www.republicbank.com. The Company is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and as of December 31, 2025, had approximately $7.04 billion in total assets. The Company’s Class A Common Stock is listed under the symbol “RBCAA” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.