What is Coastal States Bank's primary reason for expanding into Charleston?

Coastal States Bank's primary reason for expanding into Charleston is to continue its growth in the Lowcountry and reflect its continued investment in this dynamic region, which values relationships, local expertise, and trust.

Who leads the new commercial banking team in Charleston for Coastal States Bank?

Edward Vaughan will serve as Charleston Market President, leading the new commercial banking team for Coastal States Bank in Charleston.

What services will the Coastal States Bank commercial banking team offer in Charleston?

The Coastal States Bank commercial banking team in Charleston will focus on developing deposit and loan relationships through C&I lending, commercial real estate lending, and treasury management services for small and mid-sized businesses.

How many years of combined banking experience does the new Charleston team bring?

The new Charleston team brings more than 50 years of combined banking experience.

Where is Coastal States Bank headquartered?

Coastal States Bank is a local community bank headquartered on Hilton Head Island.

January 19, 2026

Coastal States Bank Expands into Charleston

Charleston, January 19, 2026

Coastal States Bank, a community bank based in Hilton Head Island, has announced its expansion into Charleston, South Carolina. This strategic move brings a local commercial banking team to better serve the businesses in this dynamic market. With a focus on fostering relationships and providing tailored financial solutions, CSB aims to support the region’s thriving entrepreneurial community, reinforcing its commitment to the economic growth of Charleston and its small businesses.

Charleston

Coastal States Bank Expands into Charleston

Coastal States Bank (CSB), a community bank from Hilton Head Island, has strategically expanded into the vibrant Charleston market, bringing a dedicated local commercial banking team to support the region’s dynamic businesses.

Charleston, South Carolina, continues to solidify its reputation as a hub for entrepreneurial innovation and economic growth. The Lowcountry’s welcoming environment for business, coupled with a resilient spirit among its small business community, frequently attracts new investment and talent. In a significant development for the region’s financial landscape, Coastal States Bank (CSB), a community bank with a robust history in South Carolina, has announced its expansion into the Charleston market, establishing a local commercial banking team to serve the area’s diverse enterprises. This move underscores the ongoing appeal of the region for those seeking opportunities to contribute to and benefit from its economic vitality. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and access to responsive banking partners is crucial for their success.

The decision by CSB, headquartered on Hilton Head Island, to deepen its presence in the Lowcountry reflects a strategic understanding of Charleston’s unique market values: relationships, local expertise, and trust. Such an expansion, particularly one following the bank’s initial public offering (IPO) and listing on the New York Stock Exchange in July 2025, highlights the capital’s role in fostering economic development and providing specialized services to a growing business sector. This investment represents a forward-looking commitment to the Charleston County economy and its many South Carolina entrepreneurs.

A Strategic Investment in Lowcountry Growth

The expansion of Coastal States Bank into Charleston represents a deliberate continuation of its growth trajectory within the Lowcountry. With over two decades of serving clients in Beaufort County, CSB has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the region. The bank’s leadership emphasizes that this strategic move reflects its sustained investment in this dynamic area. This approach aligns with Charleston’s own impressive economic performance; the civilian labor force in the Charleston region expanded by 22.8% between 2013 and 2023, while employment increased by 27.6% during the same period. Projections for 2025 estimate the labor force will reach 435,500 people, with 425,050 employed individuals, showcasing the robust environment for Lowcountry economic growth.

Introducing Charleston’s Local Commercial Banking Team

To spearhead its efforts in Charleston, Coastal States Bank has assembled a locally based commercial banking team, bringing extensive experience serving businesses across Charleston and the broader Lowcountry market. Leading this team as Charleston Market President is Edward Vaughan. He is joined by David Wenger, a Senior Commercial Banker, and Thomas Pritchard, a Commercial Banker. Together, these professionals bring more than 50 years of combined banking experience to the Charleston community. This local expertise is invaluable for navigating the specific needs and opportunities present in the Charleston SC business environment.

Tailored Financial Solutions for Local Enterprises

The newly established team will concentrate on fostering deposit and loan relationships, providing essential services such as Commercial & Industrial (C&I) lending, commercial real estate lending, and treasury management services. These offerings are specifically designed to cater to the needs of small and mid-sized businesses in Charleston. Edward Vaughan noted that Charleston’s business community is characterized by its diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep regional connections. The team is committed to a relationship banking approach, merging local insights with the financial resources necessary for businesses to thrive. Coastal States Bank offers a suite of small business services, including dedicated checking and savings accounts, and lending options such as Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender status and 48-hour lending approvals for quick access to capital. The bank’s comprehensive lending solutions also include commercial real estate loans and business credit cards, designed to support various business needs.

Private Investment Fuels Local Opportunity

Coastal States Bank’s expansion into Charleston is a clear demonstration of private investment directly contributing to local job creation and economic stability. With approximately $2.3 billion in total assets, CSB’s move signifies a substantial commitment to the region. This investment, made possible by the bank’s transition to a public company, underscores how the strategic deployment of capital can empower local economies. Such expansions enhance the competitive landscape, providing more choices and potentially better terms for local businesses seeking financial partners. The increased availability of diverse financial services and a relationship-focused banking model can be a significant advantage for Charleston small business owners looking to innovate and expand, further stimulating the overall Charleston County economy. South Carolina’s small businesses are a vital economic engine, comprising 99.4% of all businesses in the state and employing 42.2% of its workforce.

A Community-Centric Approach to Banking

Beyond its financial services, Coastal States Bank has a strong ethos of community engagement. The bank established the Coastal States Community Commitment in November 2017, a charitable fund created in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. The mission of this commitment is to enhance the communities served by CSB through grants and employee volunteer programs, supporting a diverse array of charitable efforts that address local needs and opportunities. This community-oriented approach reinforces the idea that true economic growth is intertwined with the well-being and development of the entire community. The bank’s presence extends across the Lowcountry of South Carolina, including Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, and now Charleston, as well as Savannah and the Atlanta Metropolitan market, demonstrating a broad commitment to the regions it serves.

Conclusion

The arrival of Coastal States Bank and its experienced commercial banking team in Charleston marks an exciting new chapter for the city’s robust business landscape. This expansion is more than just a new financial institution; it represents a commitment to localized service, entrepreneurial support, and a belief in the inherent strength of the Lowcountry’s economy. As Charleston continues its impressive trajectory of growth, fueled by the ingenuity of its South Carolina entrepreneurs and the dedication of its residents, having banking partners like CSB who understand and invest in the community’s unique needs will be increasingly valuable. We encourage our readers to remain engaged with the unfolding economic narrative of Charleston and to actively support the local businesses and institutions that contribute to our shared prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coastal States Bank’s primary reason for expanding into Charleston?: Coastal States Bank’s primary reason for expanding into Charleston is to continue its growth in the Lowcountry and reflect its continued investment in this dynamic region, which values relationships, local expertise, and trust.
When did Coastal States Bank announce its expansion into Charleston?: Coastal States Bank announced its expansion into the Charleston market on January 19, 2026.
Who leads the new commercial banking team in Charleston for Coastal States Bank?: Edward Vaughan will serve as Charleston Market President, leading the new commercial banking team for Coastal States Bank in Charleston.
What services will the Coastal States Bank commercial banking team offer in Charleston?: The Coastal States Bank commercial banking team in Charleston will focus on developing deposit and loan relationships through C&I lending, commercial real estate lending, and treasury management services for small and mid-sized businesses.
How many years of combined banking experience does the new Charleston team bring?: The new Charleston team brings more than 50 years of combined banking experience.
Where is Coastal States Bank headquartered?: Coastal States Bank is a local community bank headquartered on Hilton Head Island.

Key Features of Coastal States Bank’s Charleston Expansion

Feature	Details
Headquarters	Hilton Head Island
Expansion Location	Charleston, SC
Announcement Date	January 19, 2026
Charleston Market President	Edward Vaughan
Key Team Members	David Wenger (Senior Commercial Banker), Thomas Pritchard (Commercial Banker)
Combined Team Experience	More than 50 years
Core Services in Charleston	C&I lending, commercial real estate lending, treasury management services
Target Businesses	Small and mid-sized businesses
Total Assets (Approx.)	$2.3 billion
SBA Lender Status	SBA Preferred Lender
Community Initiative	Coastal States Community Commitment, in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry