Metropolitan Bank’s Exec VP Nick Rosenberg Continues Steady Insider Sell‑Off Despite Bull Market Surge.

Insider Selling Continues in a Bullish Market

On January 21, 2026, Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. saw its Executive Vice President, Nick Rosenberg, execute a Rule 10b‑5‑1 trade that sold 1,250 shares of common stock at an average price of $90.21—just above the closing price of $90.71 on the prior day. The sale was part of a pre‑arranged trading plan adopted in June 2025, and the transaction included a mix of restricted‑stock‑unit vesting events from 2023 through 2025. Despite the modest 0.05% price drop that followed, the move generated a surge in social‑media buzz, with intensity 155 % and a largely positive sentiment score of +38.

What Does This Mean for Investors?

Rosenberg’s sale is not an isolated outlier. Since December 2025, the executive has sold a cumulative 4,400 shares, averaging roughly 1,100 shares per quarter. Each trade has been executed under a pre‑established plan, mitigating concerns about “insider tipping” or market timing. Still, the steady outflow of shares—especially during a period of robust earnings growth and a 21 % monthly gain—may be interpreted by some investors as a signal that senior management is comfortable with the bank’s valuation. For long‑term holders, this can be reassuring: the executive is not aggressively divesting, but rather following a disciplined schedule that reflects a belief in the company’s long‑term trajectory.

Rosenberg’s Transaction Profile

Nick Rosenberg has consistently sold shares at or above the market price, with the most recent average price of $90.21 matching the 10‑day moving average. His trading cadence aligns with the quarterly review cycle of the bank’s financial statements, suggesting a strategic approach to liquidity management. Historically, his sales have occurred shortly after earnings releases or strategic guidance updates, indicating a willingness to lock in gains when the market is favorable. The fact that the sales are part of a Rule 10b‑5‑1 plan also underscores the bank’s commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.

Company‑Wide Insider Activity in Context

While Rosenberg’s sales dominate the recent filing, other executives have exhibited contrasting behavior. For instance, CFO Daniel Dougherty purchased 1,000 shares in late October, and EVP Lublin Scott sold a sizable block in early October. These mixed actions reflect a broader trend of senior management balancing personal portfolio optimization with confidence in the bank’s prospects. The overall insider buying by the CFO and selling by the EVP may signal internal confidence in the bank’s earnings guidance, while Rosenberg’s disciplined selling indicates a balanced view of risk and reward.

Looking Ahead

Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. closed its 2025 fiscal year with a 44 % year‑to‑year increase in earnings and a P/E of 13.8, positioning it well above the sector median. The bank’s 52‑week high of $91.02 and a bullish weekly trend of 15.5 % suggest a resilient stock price trajectory. Rosenberg’s continued adherence to a Rule 10b‑5‑1 schedule, combined with the bank’s solid fundamentals, points to a steady path forward. Investors should monitor forthcoming earnings releases and any changes to the executive’s trading plan—any deviation from the established pattern could provide early insight into the bank’s strategic outlook.