About Us

A proud history. A bright future. Forever First.

Who We Are

We've been helping families and businesses make more of their finances for 125 years. We've shared their dreams, helped make budgets work harder and built financial plans to last them the rest of their lives. And in that time, we've built a solid track record of service, stability and reliability.

Stability You Can Trust

Top 20

Financial institution in the US

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Associates across the US

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In total assets

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Forever Evolving

Our history is a timeless story shaped by the same foundation and principles that originally forged our company. While the way we do banking has evolved over time, we're committed, as always, to being here for you.

1898

Founded in North Carolina

Our company was founded as the Bank of Smithfield with just $10,000 of capital. We were Johnston County's sole bank and served primarily agricultural customers. Steady growth quickly became our hallmark.

1935

R.P. Holding Leads the Way

After 17 years of astute leadership, R.P. Holding was elected president and chairman of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company. The bank's branch network stretched beyond Smithfield to Raleigh and into Eastern North Carolina.

1957

The Holding Legacy Continues

Upon the death of R.P. Holding, leadership passed to his three sons, the second generation of Holdings, who were all under 32 years old—Chairman Robert Holding, Jr. (standing), President Lewis R. Holding (right) and Vice President Frank B. Holding (left).

1974

Deepening Our NC Roots

In the 1970s, we opened branches across North Carolina. By 1974, we had moved our headquarters from Smithfield to Raleigh, and our assets surpassed $1 billion.

1994

Expanding to New States

First Citizens began operating our first-ever branches outside of our home state of North Carolina when we acquired a bank based in West Virginia.

1997

Thrift Subsidiary Paves the Way

We chartered and launched a federal thrift subsidiary, Atlantic States Bank, to serve the Atlanta market. Atlantic States was the predecessor of the former IronStone Bank, which launched our eventual coast-to-coast expansion.

2009

Safety, Stability Remain Hallmarks

During the great recession, First Citizens remained safe and stable and entered new markets, while keeping an eye on the long term. Frank B. Holding, Jr. was elected Chairman of First Citizens in 2009. He, along with his sister Vice Chairwoman Hope Holding Bryant, represent the third generation of Holding family leadership.

2013

Forever First Brand Debuts

In 2013 we launched our Forever First brand, reinforcing the promise that the principles instilled by R.P. Holding will continue to guide First Citizens for generations. We understand the financial decisions you make today will shape the way you live for decades. And we plan to be with you, every step of the way.

2015

First Citizens, TCA Help Teens with Cancer

We first joined together with nonprofit Teen Cancer America and The Who's Roger Daltrey to help open the door to better cancer care for young adults. This mission continues as we partner with local hospitals.

2022

Growing Our Footprint

Our merger with CIT marked a major milestone for First Citizens and established us as a top 20 US bank based on asset size. Joining forces enables us to serve a broader spectrum of businesses and individuals, while offering even more convenience, scale and value.

2023

Today and Tomorrow

Today, the finest bankers and support staff in the financial industry fulfill our Forever First promise to our clients. Working together, we're growing and prospering, and helping our customers do the same, in vibrant markets from coast to coast.

Forever Helping

Help us support Teen Cancer America by making a donation. Your donation helps us build spaces to improve the hospital experience for teen cancer patients.

Service

Hometown Support

{product.FCBE.Value}+ associates across the US dedicated to your financial growth

{product.FCBB.Value}+ branches to give you personal support when you need it

Service

Hometown Support

{product.FCBE.Value}+ associates across the US dedicated to your financial growth

Service

Hometown Support

{product.FCBB.Value}+ branches to give you personal support when you need it

Online

Helpful Digital Tools

Access your money with our app when you're on the go

Manage your finances in more detail with our browser experience

Online

Helpful Digital Tools

Access your money with our app when you're on the go

Online

Helpful Digital Tools

Manage your finances in more detail with our browser experience

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NMLSR ID 503941