Community Spotlight: Brandon Padget & Union Bank & Trust

Chief Deposit Officer | Union Bank & Trust

In a rapidly evolving industry like cannabis, trusted financial partners are hard to come by. That’s where Brandon Padget and Union Bank & Trust (UBT) step in. With union-founded roots and a values-driven mission, UBT is helping cannabis operators access fair, transparent banking while building long-term trust in a space where it’s often in short supply.

The Journey

Brandon Padget was drawn to Union Bank & Trust (UBT) for its roots: union-founded, labor-owned, and committed to serving organizations that create opportunity for working people. That mission, paired with the chance to build values-based banking solutions, made joining UBT a natural fit. Since then, he’s helped guide the bank from community-focused roots into a trusted financial partner for emerging industries like cannabis, strengthening compliance, growing deposits, and positioning UBT as a credible, values-driven option in a space where trust is scarce.

For Brandon, the most rewarding part of cannabis banking is giving businesses access to real financial services, not workarounds or overpriced options. He’s seen how exclusion from traditional banking creates unnecessary risk, and he’s proud to be part of a team that treats operators with fairness, respect, and transparency.

Community Impact

UBT supports the cannabis community by showing up at licensing workshops, business association events, and industry conferences, to listen, learn, and guide operators on safe banking practices. They’ve been present since the early days, helping entrepreneurs access tools to grow responsibly.

That impact shows up in real ways: recently, UBT transitioned a cannabis client paying nearly $30,000 a year in banking fees into a fairer structure, saving enough to reinvest in staff and marketing. It’s this kind of support that helps businesses thrive, not just survive.

Looking Ahead

UBT’s goal is to keep growing as a trusted partner for cannabis businesses while staying grounded in its values. That means thoughtful expansion across Minnesota, stronger compliance and treasury infrastructure, and tailored products to meet evolving needs. They’re preparing for growth, tighter regulations, and industry shifts by staying close to operators and refining solutions in real time.

Personal Insights

Brandon advises new leaders to surround themselves with partners who understand the complexities of cannabis and to treat financial operations as strategically as cultivation or branding. Clean books, timely taxes, and the right account structure are essential for long-term success.

At its core, Brandon believes banking is about belief: in clients, in teams, and in the industry’s potential. But belief also requires diligence, asking hard questions, ensuring values align, and backing vision with accountability.

Final Thoughts

For over a decade, UBT has been more than a bank in cannabis, it’s been a purpose-driven partner. As a union-founded, labor-owned institution, UBT understands what it means to serve industries fighting for legitimacy. Their mission is simple: deliver fair, transparent, values-aligned financial services that help cannabis businesses grow with dignity and trust.

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