March 30, 2022

Sioux Falls-based MetaBank NA is changing its name to Pathward NA.

The move follows a brand strategy review last year following the sale of Meta’s name and trademarks to the company formerly known as Facebook.

Meta received $60 million and at the time of the announcement said it expected to direct $15 million to $20 million toward the new branding.

“The new name, Pathward, is born out of the company’s purpose to power financial inclusion for all and its commitment to providing a path forward to people and businesses so they can reach the next stage of their financial journey,” the company said in a statement.

The plan is to transition to Pathward by the end of the year, including the launch of the brand identity and website.

“Expanding financial access is too complex and important to be a part-time activity, which is why we’ve made financial inclusion for all the heart of everything we do,” Brett Pharr, CEO of MetaBank, said. “Pathward signals our commitment to removing barriers that prevent millions of Americans from achieving access to the financial system. Our new name serves as a constant reminder of the importance of creating a path forward for the unbanked, underbanked and underserved to help them achieve economic mobility.”

Meta Financial Group Inc., MetaBank’s public holding company, also will be changing its name to Pathward Financial Inc. by the end of the year.