Bankwell Financial Group (NASDAQ BWFG), the holding company for Bankwell, has been recognized as one of 29 banks and thrifts nationwide that comprise the Sandler O’Neill Sm-All Class of 2017 and the only Connecticut bank to make the list. The 2017 Sm-All list identifies small-cap banks below $2.5 billion that deliver bottom line results that outperform the industry, with metrics based on growth, profitability, credit quality and capital strength.

“We are honored to be named in this short list of banks who have been identified for their ‘best in class’ distinction,” notes Bankwell Financial Group president and CEO Christopher R. Gruseke. “We are very proud of our performance.  I’d like to thank our highly talented and dedicated team who continue to raise the bar in delivering exceptional banking and lending services to customers and communities throughout Connecticut.”

Bankwell was also recently named one of America’s Top 100 Best Performing Banks in a report issued by S&P Financial.