First Citizens Bank Completes Branch Acquisition, Expanding Presence Across the Midwest, Great Plains and West
The BMO branch conversion adds 138 locations, $5 billion in deposits and new regional leadership as First Citizens expands across multiple western and Midwestern states.
Rhea-AI Summary
First Citizens Bank (FCNCA) completed the conversion of 138 branches acquired from BMO Bank N.A. on September 4, 2026, and transitioned associated client accounts to its platforms.
The bank assumed approximately $5 billion in deposits and $650 million in loans through this branch acquisition, expanding its presence across the Midwest, Great Plains and West. Following the transaction, First Citizens, described as a top 20 U.S. bank with more than $225 billion in assets, now operates more than 600 branches and offices nationwide.
The expanded footprint includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Idaho, western Minnesota, eastern Oregon and southern Illinois. Existing local bankers will continue serving clients, who will gain access to the broader bank’s resources and specialized expertise.
To support growth, First Citizens appointed regional and area executives for the Heartland, Northeast and St. Louis, Community in the West, Kansas and Missouri, and Omaha, and plans to invest about $1 million in community initiatives across its expanded markets during 2026 and 2027.
Positive
- 138 acquired branches converted and integrated as of September 4, 2026
- Assumed approximately $5 billion in deposits through the branch acquisition
- Assumed approximately $650 million in loans as part of the deal
- Bank now operates 600+ branches and offices nationwide after expansion
- Described asset base above $225 billion, placing bank among top 20 in U.S.
- Plans to invest about $1 million in community initiatives in 2026–2027
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- None.
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- Associated client accounts have transitioned to First Citizens Bank platforms
- Regional leadership appointments,
$1 million
With the transition complete, First Citizens Bank, as a top 20 U.S. bank with more than
New First Citizens Bank clients will continue working with the local bankers and teams they know while benefiting from the comprehensive resources, national reach and specialized expertise of the broader First Citizens businesses. Another milestone in First Citizens' long-term growth strategy, this acquisition expands the bank's footprint to serve individuals, businesses and commercial clients through a broader network of relationship bankers backed by the scale and resources of the bank nationwide.
"Every decision we make starts with our clients," said Frank B. Holding, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Citizens Bank. "This expansion reflects our disciplined approach to growth – welcoming talented associates who share our relationship-first culture, investing in communities with significant opportunities to maintain lasting client relationships, and bringing leading capabilities to help clients and communities thrive."
Investing in Regional Growth and Local Leadership
In support of its expanded footprint, First Citizens has made a series of regional leadership appointments that reinforce the bank's commitment to both new and established markets. These experienced leaders will help deepen client relationships and extend First Citizens' relationship-first approach across its expanded network:
- Nate Downie, Regional Executive Vice President covering the Heartland
- Sharon Thompson, Regional Executive Vice President covering the Northeast Region and
St. Louis - Stacie Bales Barton, Regional Executive Vice President covering Community in the West
- Monica Hummel, Area Executive covering
Kansas andMissouri - Gary Piercy, Area Executive covering
Omaha
"We are investing in experienced local leaders because relationships remain at the heart of how we serve clients," said Hope Holding Bryant, Vice Chairwoman and Head of General Bank at First Citizens Bank. "Every market is different, and serving it well begins with understanding the people, businesses and communities that make each one unique. By combining local expertise with the strength and stability of a national institution, we're helping clients pursue their ambitions with confidence."
Investing in Local Communities
First Citizens is reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the communities it serves. Through charitable giving, local partnerships and community engagement, First Citizens will invest approximately
Reflecting First Citizens' long-standing belief that strong communities and strong client relationships go hand in hand, investments will be made working alongside local nonprofit organizations, civic leaders and community partners to support initiatives that help communities thrive over the long-term.
About First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank helps personal, business, commercial and wealth clients build financial strength that lasts. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., First Citizens has built a unique legacy of strength, stability and long-term thinking that has spanned generations. First Citizens offers an array of general banking services with branches and offices nationwide; commercial banking expertise delivering best-in-class lending, leasing and other financial services coast to coast; innovation banking serving businesses at every stage; and a nationwide direct bank. Parent company First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA) is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than
Media Contact
Liz Shapiro
Liz.shapiro@firstcitizens.com
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SOURCE First Citizens Bank
FAQ
Which new or expanded geographic markets does First Citizens Bank now serve after this branch acquisition?
The expanded footprint includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Idaho, western Minnesota, eastern Oregon and southern Illinois. These regions are in addition to the bank’s existing nationwide presence.
What happens to clients of the acquired BMO Bank N.A. branches after the conversion to First Citizens Bank?
New First Citizens Bank clients will continue working with the local bankers and teams they know. Their accounts have transitioned to First Citizens platforms, and they will gain access to the bank’s broader resources, national reach and specialized expertise.
What regional leadership appointments did First Citizens make to support its expanded footprint?
First Citizens named several leaders: Nate Downie, Regional Executive Vice President for the Heartland; Sharon Thompson, Regional Executive Vice President for the Northeast Region and St. Louis; Stacie Bales Barton, Regional Executive Vice President for Community in the West; Monica Hummel, Area Executive for Kansas and Missouri; and Gary Piercy, Area Executive for Omaha.
How will First Citizens Bank support local communities in its newly expanded markets?
The bank plans to invest approximately $1 million across existing and newly expanded markets in the Midwest, Great Plains and West during 2026 and 2027. These investments will be directed through charitable giving, local partnerships and community engagement, working with local nonprofits, civic leaders and community partners to support initiatives aimed at long-term community well-being.