January 21, 2026

Fifth Third Bank Expands Presence in Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, January 21, 2026

Fifth Third Bank has expanded its services in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, reinforcing its commitment to the local economy and providing new financial options for businesses and residents. This move reflects a trend of growth in the Charleston area, showcasing the bank’s confidence in the vibrant economic landscape and its innovative ‘Next Gen’ banking model designed to enhance customer experience. With plans for more branches and services, Fifth Third Bank is set to support the increasing financial needs of the Lowcountry community.

Charleston, SC – Fifth Third Bank Doubles Down in Mount Pleasant

The national financial institution expands its footprint, signaling robust Lowcountry economic growth and new opportunities for local businesses and residents.

The vibrant economic landscape of Charleston, South Carolina, continues to attract significant private investment, a clear indicator of the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and dynamic growth. The recent expansion of Fifth Third Bank in Mount Pleasant serves as a testament to this flourishing environment, demonstrating confidence in the local market and providing new avenues for financial services. Such strategic moves by established institutions underscore the compelling advantages of a thriving local economy, driven by innovation and responsive to community needs.

This expansion reflects a broader trend of financial institutions recognizing the potential within the Charleston area. It offers increased choices for consumers and businesses alike, fostering healthy competition that can lead to enhanced services and better opportunities for the community. The careful consideration by Fifth Third Bank in choosing Mount Pleasant for its latest venture highlights the town’s desirability as a nexus for commerce and community, further solidifying the Charleston County economy.

A Strategic Move: Fifth Third Bank’s Lowcountry Commitment

Fifth Third Bank has embarked on a significant and strategic expansion across the Southeast, with an overarching goal to achieve a balanced presence, aiming for approximately 50% of its market share in the Southeast and 50% in its Midwest markets by 2029. This ambitious plan anticipates generating between $15 billion and $20 billion in deposits from its Southeast growth over the next seven years. As part of this nationwide strategy, the bank plans to open over 200 branches across the country in the next four years, with a keen focus on the rapidly expanding Southeast markets. Specifically for South Carolina, Fifth Third Bank projects opening 25 new branches within the state over the next five years.

The bank’s journey in South Carolina commenced in 2011 with the establishment of a commercial team in Greenville. This initial presence laid the groundwork for further development, leading to the opening of the first branch location in South Carolina in Greenville in 2020. These foundational steps have paved the way for the bank’s increased investment and expansion throughout the state, including the dynamic Charleston SC business market.

Charleston County Economy Attracts Investment

The robust Charleston County economy has proven to be a magnet for national financial institutions like Fifth Third Bank. The region’s consistent economic growth and favorable business climate make it an attractive location for expansion, signaling strong confidence from private investors. Fifth Third Bank initially entered the Charleston market with the addition of a commercial banking team in 2022. This was followed by a significant expansion in 2023, which included the establishment of a dedicated mortgage team, plans for opening two new branch locations, and the introduction of a wealth management team before the close of that year.

This multi-faceted expansion illustrates a comprehensive approach to serving the diverse financial needs within the Lowcountry. By offering a broader range of specialized services, Fifth Third Bank aims to cater to individuals, families, and businesses, further integrating into the local financial ecosystem and contributing to the sustained vitality of the Lowcountry economic growth.

Innovation in Banking: The “Next Gen” Approach

Central to Fifth Third Bank’s expansion strategy is its “Next Gen” branch design, an innovative approach that prioritizes technology integration to enhance the customer experience. These modern financial centers are designed to foster deeper and more meaningful conversations between customers and bankers, featuring an open-concept layout and localized design elements that create a welcoming atmosphere. Rather than traditional teller windows, the “Next Gen” model empowers mobile bankers to utilize technology, such as tablet computers, allowing them to engage with customers in various settings within the lobby. This flexible environment is complemented by a tech wall with a dynamic digital screen and adaptable meeting and seating areas that can adjust privacy levels based on the interaction’s needs.

This forward-thinking design caters to the evolving preferences of customers who increasingly seek personalized and efficient banking solutions. By embracing such innovative methods, Fifth Third Bank aims to provide a differentiated experience, directly benefiting Charleston small business owners and residents by offering more accessible and tailored financial advice.

Mount Pleasant: A Hub for Economic Opportunity

Mount Pleasant, a thriving municipality within the Charleston County economy, has been specifically targeted for Fifth Third Bank’s continued expansion. Following the successful launch of its first Charleston market branch on James Island on July 11, 2023, which also features the “Next Gen” design and a drive-thru, the bank planned to open a second location in Mount Pleasant later in 2023. This strategic placement in Mount Pleasant underscores the area’s economic vitality and its critical role as a growing hub for both residential and commercial activity.

The choice of Mount Pleasant for further investment demonstrates a recognition of its potential for sustained economic growth and the increasing demand for comprehensive financial services in this dynamic part of the Lowcountry. Establishing a presence in such key locations is crucial for the bank to effectively serve the burgeoning population and support the diverse needs of local businesses and families.

Empowering South Carolina Entrepreneurs and Residents

Fifth Third Bank’s redesigned financial centers are conceived as community hubs, offering a comprehensive suite of services that include consumer banking, commercial services, wealth management, and robust support for small businesses. This multi-faceted approach is designed to empower South Carolina entrepreneurs by providing access to essential capital and expert financial guidance, thereby stimulating job creation and economic vitality.

The expansion efforts in the Charleston market are led by an experienced team. South Carolina Market President Charlie Arndt was instrumental in hiring Jason Hessberg to build the commercial operations in Charleston, with Hessberg now serving as the Middle Market Lead for the Charleston Market. Retail branch operations for South Carolina are overseen by Michael McAbee. This local leadership team is crucial in tailoring the bank’s offerings to meet the specific demands of the Charleston SC business community and residents, ensuring that the institution’s growth directly translates into tangible benefits for the Lowcountry.

The ongoing commitment to expanding financial services and incorporating innovative banking models directly contributes to strengthening the overall Lowcountry economic growth, providing crucial resources for both emerging startups and established enterprises.

The continued investment by Fifth Third Bank in Mount Pleasant and the wider Charleston area is a clear affirmation of the region’s robust economic health and promising future. This private investment not only expands financial service options but also introduces competitive innovation, ultimately benefiting businesses and individuals across the Charleston County economy. As the Lowcountry continues its impressive trajectory of growth, the presence of forward-thinking financial partners will be instrumental in fostering continued prosperity and opportunity. We encourage our readers to explore the evolving landscape of financial services and support the businesses and initiatives that are actively contributing to Charleston’s vibrant economic future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fifth Third Bank’s overall expansion strategy?

Fifth Third Bank aims to balance its Southeast and Midwest markets, targeting approximately 50% in each by 2029. It expects to generate $15-$20 billion in deposits from its Southeast growth over the next seven years and plans to open over 200 branches nationwide in the next four years, focusing on fast-growing Southeast markets.

When did Fifth Third Bank begin operating in South Carolina?

Fifth Third Bank began operating in South Carolina in 2011 with a commercial team in Greenville.

What is the “Next Gen” branch design?

The “Next Gen” branch design features mobile bankers using technology like tablet computers, flexible meeting and seating areas, and a tech wall with a dynamic digital screen, promoting a more direct and personal customer service experience.

Who leads Fifth Third Bank’s commercial operations in Charleston?

South Carolina Market President Charlie Arndt hired Jason Hessberg to build commercial operations in Charleston, with Hessberg serving as the Middle Market Lead for the Charleston Market. Michael McAbee leads the retail branch operations for South Carolina.

What services do Fifth Third Bank’s redesigned financial centers offer?

Fifth Third Bank’s redesigned financial centers operate as community hubs, providing consumer banking, commercial services, wealth management, and small-business support.

Key Features of Fifth Third Bank’s Charleston Expansion

Feature	Description	Scope
Overall Expansion Strategy	Aim for 50/50 balance between Southeast and Midwest markets by 2029; target $15-$20 billion in deposits from Southeast growth over seven years.	Nationwide
South Carolina Branch Growth	Plans to open 25 new branches in South Carolina over the next five years.	State-level
First SC Presence	Began operating in South Carolina in 2011 with a commercial team in Greenville; first SC branch opened in Greenville in 2020.	State-level
Charleston Market Entry	Added a commercial banking team in Charleston in 2022.	Local
2023 Charleston Expansion	Added a mortgage team, planned two branch locations, and a wealth management team in 2023.	Local
First Charleston Branch	Opened on James Island on July 11, 2023.	Local
Mount Pleasant Branch	Second Charleston market location planned for Mount Pleasant later in 2023.	Local
“Next Gen” Branch Design	Features mobile bankers, technology (tablets, tech wall), flexible meeting areas, and personalized service.	Nationwide
Services Offered	Consumer banking, commercial services, wealth management, and small-business support.	Nationwide
Charleston Leadership	Charlie Arndt (SC Market President), Jason Hessberg (Middle Market Lead, Charleston), Michael McAbee (SC Retail Branch Operations).	State-level/Local