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
15,000+
Associates across the US
$200 Billion+
In total assets
550+
Bank branches in 23 states
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.