Get to know some of United’s Hispanic and Latino leaders this Hispanic Heritage Month

United recognizes that the diversity of its team supports the Company’s overall mission to provide excellence in service. Its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fosters respect and a shared purpose that aligns with the bank’s core values and community leadership. Since the Bank’s founding in 1839, its leading principles have helped United grow from a single-office bank to a premier regional banking company with a strong presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Today, the Company holds approximately $30 billion in assets and serves a consumer and commercial customer base that is diversified across lines of business as well as geography, with more than 225 offices located throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, as well as Washington D.C., where it is the largest community bank headquartered in the D.C. Metropolitan region.

United’s employees are its greatest asset – when team members thrive, so do customers and so does business. That’s why, this Hispanic Heritage Month, United is spotlighting some of its Hispanic and Latino employees, their accomplishments, and the work they are doing to support their communities, bolstering the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that employees from entry-level to management are empowered to reach their full potential and make a difference, contributing to a culture that is entrepreneurial, efficient, relationship-based, and service-oriented.

Not many children dream of one day working in finance. But for Manuel Moral, a fascination with the stock market – paired with a passion for problem solving and a desire to help people – put him on the career path that eventually led to where he is today. With 29 years of experience in the banking industry, Moral now serves as a vice president and financial advisor at United Brokerage Services, Inc., working to provide United Bank clients with tailored investment solutions to help them make the most of their money.

Moral attended the University of Maryland, College Park where he majored in business and Spanish language and literature. He credits his first job as a banking representative as the foundation for his career in the financial industry. Working at a local branch while in college, Moral found he had a talent for retail banking and assisting customers with their day-to-day banking needs. After graduating from college, Moral would go on to hold several investment and wealth management roles at well-regarded financial institutions in the D.C. Metropolitan region. He began his financial advisor career at Chevy Chase Financial Services, before joining Capital One. During this time, Moral also received his executive certificate in financial planning from Georgetown University. As a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), he expanded his work in the wealth space to include offering financial and retirement planning services for his clients. After leaving Capital One, Moral spent time at First National Bank before ultimately joining United Bank on the Company’s brokerage services team, where he’s spent the last six years serving clients throughout the Maryland and D.C. region.

In his role as a financial advisor, Moral offers investing options and services that match clients’ personal style and needs, with a focus on retirement planning. But more so, he helps clients understand complex financial concepts so they can make informed decisions about their money.

Joining United Bank was an easy decision for Moral. As someone who prioritizes giving back, United’s community-focused approach, welcoming culture, and strong values seemed like a perfect fit for him. Additionally, at a time where he was looking for opportunities for professional growth, Moral found United’s unique combination of strong local ties and an extensive network of resources to be an ideal environment for advancing his career while also being able to continue the valuable work of serving clients effectively, a non-negotiable for him.

Originally from Lima, Peru, Moral recognizes the importance of providing educational assistance for those with diverse backgrounds. He utilizes his expertise as a certified financial planner in his volunteer work at CentroNía, a nationally recognized community organization that focuses on educating children and youth and strengthening families in a bilingual, multicultural environment. Moral finds it very rewarding to be able to contribute to the financial well-being of individuals and families in the multicultural community of D.C.

How has your identity influenced your professional life?

My identity has had a big impact on my career. It’s given me a strong work ethic and a drive to make a difference, but it’s also helped me better connect with the clients I serve. I’ve noticed that there are some clients who just feel more at ease working with someone who shares their culture and who can relate to their unique needs. There’s like an unspoken understanding that builds trust and allows us to connect on a deeper level than you find in typical professional relationships, something which we value here at United. It’s almost like a family connection. Whether they’re supporting extended family or working to ensure their children have the means to get a good education, by connecting with clients on both a financial and cultural level, I am able to help them make choices that really work for them and their future.

Were there any leaders who inspired you?

Several leaders have inspired me throughout my career, but my father has had a significant influence. Having a role model at home as well-spoken, well-respected, and successful as him definitely shaped my path in life. Growing up and watching him overcome challenges with such poise and integrity inspired me to strive to be like him, having recognized the role that hard work, leadership, and confidence can play in one’s life. And these continue to be guiding principles in my own life and career today.

What advice do you have for young people of color just starting their career?

My advice is to use your unique background as a strength, but also don’t hesitate to ask for help. It can be easy to become that person who is always the first one to offer assistance, jump to the aid of others, and always try to support your community, but we need to remember to find that support for ourselves as well. Find mentors who can guide you and build a solid network of connections. It’s all about learning, growing, and making the most of the opportunities that come your way.