January 19, 2026

Coastal States Bank Fuels Charleston’s Growth with Decades of Expertise

Charleston, January 19, 2026

Coastal States Bank (CSB) has expanded its operations into Charleston, South Carolina, strengthening its commitment to local businesses with a seasoned team. This strategic move, underpinned by over 20 years of experience in the Lowcountry, aims to bolster small and mid-sized businesses in the Charleston market. With a focus on relationship-driven banking, CSB offers specialized financial services to meet the unique needs of local entrepreneurs, encouraging continued economic growth in the region.

Charleston

Coastal States Bank Fuels Charleston’s Growth with Decades of Expertise

A community bank with a rich history of supporting local businesses expands its Lowcountry presence, bringing seasoned financial leadership and relationship-driven services to the vibrant Charleston market.

Charleston, South Carolina, continues to be a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and economic dynamism in the Lowcountry. The city’s thriving business landscape is further bolstered by the arrival of financial institutions committed to fostering local growth and supporting the backbone of the American economy: small and mid-sized businesses. This commitment is evident in the strategic expansion of Coastal States Bank (CSB) into the Charleston market, a move underpinned by extensive experience and a dedication to relationship-driven banking.

The success of local entrepreneurs and the broader Charleston SC business community often hinges on access to reliable financial partners who understand the unique demands and opportunities within the region. Coastal States Bank’s expansion signifies a promising development, bringing a wealth of experience and a client-focused approach that aligns with the ambitious endeavors characterizing the Charleston County economy. This investment into the local financial infrastructure is a testament to the vibrant commercial environment and the potential for continued prosperity propelled by sound financial partnerships and innovative enterprise.

The Strategic Expansion into Charleston

Coastal States Bank, a community bank with its headquarters on Hilton Head Island, has officially expanded its operations into the thriving Charleston market. This strategic move marks a continuation of CSB’s growth within the Lowcountry region, building upon more than 20 years of service to clients in Beaufort County. Stephen R. Stone, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSB, noted that the expansion into Charleston strengthens the bank’s existing foundation in the Lowcountry and underscores its ongoing investment in the area’s development.

The decision to enter the Charleston market was made possible following CSB’s initial public offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange in July 2025, which provided the necessary equity base to fund this significant strategic move. Charleston’s business community is recognized for valuing strong relationships, local expertise, and trust, all of which are core tenets of Coastal States Bank’s operational philosophy.

A Team Built on Experience and Local Insight

To spearhead its presence in Charleston, Coastal States Bank has assembled a commercial banking team composed of local professionals with extensive experience serving businesses across Charleston and the wider Lowcountry area. This seasoned team includes Edward Vaughan, who will serve as Charleston Market President, alongside David Wenger, Senior Commercial Banker, and Thomas Pritchard, Commercial Banker. Collectively, this group brings over 50 years of combined banking experience to the Charleston market. This emphasis on local expertise and a deep understanding of the regional business landscape is critical for fostering trusted relationships and delivering tailored financial solutions to South Carolina entrepreneurs.

Supporting Charleston’s Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

The newly established Charleston team will focus on cultivating deposit and loan relationships through a variety of specialized services. These include C&I (Commercial & Industrial) lending, commercial real estate lending, and treasury management services specifically designed for small and mid-sized businesses. Coastal States Bank’s broader mission is to build strong relationships and empower financial success within the communities it serves.

CSB offers a comprehensive suite of banking services tailored for businesses, their owners, and individuals seeking a local banking partner. The bank prides itself on delivering a “local touch” through relationship banking, augmented by innovative technology to help Charleston small business thrive. Services such as small business checking, savings, lending options, and digital banking solutions are readily available to support various business needs. The bank is also a National Preferred SBA Lender, which allows it to expedite the decision-making process for SBA loans across the country. Its Government Guaranteed Lending (GGL) Team possesses over 100 years of combined SBA experience, offering 7A, 504, and B&I Loans on a nationwide basis.

A Legacy of Community Banking and Relationship Focus

Coastal States Bank’s foundation is deeply rooted in community. The bank first opened its doors in 2004 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, emerging as southern Beaufort County’s only locally-owned bank at the time. The founders were driven by a vision to serve the community through a relationship-based banking model, where neighbors and friends could support each other financially. This commitment to local engagement has been a cornerstone of its operations, celebrating 20 years of community banking and building enduring connections with its partners.

The bank’s leadership, including President and CEO Stephen R. Stone, remains focused on these core values. Diana McDougall, a founding member of the CSB team, served as Lowcountry Regional President for more than two decades before transitioning to a Community Engagement Officer role, reflecting the bank’s emphasis on long-term relationships and community involvement. This enduring commitment to a personalized approach contrasts with the often impersonal nature of larger financial institutions, providing a tangible benefit for businesses and individuals alike.

Driving Lowcountry Economic Growth

With a community banking presence already established in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort, and now Charleston, Coastal States Bank is strategically positioned to contribute significantly to Lowcountry economic growth. Beyond its physical branches in South Carolina and Georgia, CSB extends its reach nationwide through specialized business lines, including Government Guaranteed Lending, Senior Housing, Correspondent Marine, and Mortgage Banker Finance. This comprehensive approach ensures that while remaining deeply rooted in its local communities, the bank also offers sophisticated financial solutions that can benefit a wider array of businesses and individuals.

The bank’s expansion into Charleston represents not just a new branch, but a renewed commitment to the principles of sound financial management, entrepreneurial support, and community investment. It underscores the belief that strong local economies are built on strong local relationships and access to experienced, dedicated financial partners. As Charleston continues its trajectory of economic vibrancy, the presence of institutions like Coastal States Bank, with their decades of experience and community-centric approach, will be instrumental in empowering the next wave of business success and innovation.

As Charleston’s economy continues to evolve and present new opportunities, strong local financial partnerships are more crucial than ever. Coastal States Bank’s arrival, powered by a seasoned team and a relationship-first philosophy, signals a positive development for the region’s entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. We encourage all members of the Charleston SC business community to explore how local financial institutions can support their growth and contribute to the collective prosperity of our vibrant city. Your engagement and support for local businesses are key to ensuring continued Lowcountry economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Coastal States Bank’s new presence in Charleston?

Coastal States Bank (CSB), a community bank headquartered on Hilton Head Island, has expanded its operations into the Charleston market, continuing its growth in the Lowcountry where it has served clients in Beaufort County for more than 20 years.

Why did Coastal States Bank choose to expand into Charleston?

The expansion builds upon a strong foundation in the Lowcountry and reflects the bank’s continued investment in the region. Charleston’s market values relationships, local expertise, and trust, aligning with CSB’s relationship-driven banking model. The move was also made possible following CSB’s initial public offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange in July 2025.

What kind of experience does Coastal States Bank’s Charleston team bring?

Coastal States Bank has assembled a locally based commercial banking team for Charleston, including Edward Vaughan as Charleston Market President, David Wenger as Senior Commercial Banker, and Thomas Pritchard as Commercial Banker. This team collectively brings over 50 years of combined banking experience.

What services will Coastal States Bank offer to Charleston businesses?

The Charleston team will focus on developing deposit and loan relationships through C&I (Commercial & Industrial) lending, commercial real estate lending, and treasury management services for small and mid-sized businesses.

Is Coastal States Bank a National Preferred SBA Lender?

Yes, Coastal States Bank is a National Preferred SBA Lender, which allows it to expedite the decision-making process on SBA loans across the country. Its Government Guaranteed Lending (GGL) Team has over 100 years of combined SBA experience and offers 7A, 504, and B&I Loans on a nationwide basis.

When was Coastal States Bank founded?

Coastal States Bank opened its doors in 2004 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, as southern Beaufort County’s only locally-owned bank.

Key Features of Coastal States Bank’s Charleston Expansion

Feature	Details	Scope
Headquarters Location	Hilton Head Island, South Carolina	State-level
Expansion Location	Charleston, South Carolina	State-level
Previous Lowcountry Service	Over 20 years in Beaufort County	State-level
Charleston Team’s Combined Experience	More than 50 years	Local
Key Services Offered in Charleston	C&I lending, commercial real estate lending, treasury management services	Local
Target Market in Charleston	Small and mid-sized businesses	Local
SBA Lender Status	National Preferred SBA Lender	Nationwide
GGL Team’s SBA Experience	Over 100 years combined	Nationwide
Founding Year	2004	State-level