Regions Builds a Stronger Future for the Carolinas

The Carolinas are definitely on Regions’ mind. And for good reason.

From the fast-growing skyline of Charlotte to expanding business hubs in Greenville, Charleston, and beyond, North and South Carolina are quickly becoming the most dynamic economic engines in the country.

Regions Bank, a longtime presence in both states, is leaning into that momentum—investing in talent, deepening relationships, and delivering a distinctly human approach to banking that is helping businesses grow and thrive.

At the forefront of this effort is a clear strategy: assemble an elite team of commercial bankers who can connect clients with the full breadth of Regions’ capabilities—while staying grounded in local needs and a distinctive brand of personal service.

An area on the rise

Few areas in the country match the Carolinas for growth and opportunity. Raleigh and Charlotte, in particular, continue to attract businesses, talent, and investment at a rapid clip.

“The Carolinas are two of the fastest-growing markets in the country,” said Thad Walton, Charlotte market executive and commercial banking leader for the Carolinas. “Charlotte is the No. 2 financial services capital in the country, and when you combine that with the Research Triangle and the broader regional economy, you have a tremendous platform for growth.”

That growth is broad-based, spanning industries from financial services and advanced manufacturing to technology, healthcare, and logistics. In turn, that has created a diverse and resilient economic landscape. For Regions, it represents a significant opportunity to support those companies scaling quickly, and who seek banking professionals who can keep up.

The Carolinas are two of the fastest-growing markets in the country.

The Regions advantage: high capabilities, down-to-earth approach

As competition intensifies in the Carolinas, Regions stands out by offering something increasingly rare in banking: the scale to deliver sophisticated solutions, combined with the agility and collaboration of a relationship-focused team.

“We’re not too big and not too small,” Walton said. “Some larger institutions can become siloed, while smaller ones may not have the full range of capabilities. Meanwhile, we provide clients the best of both worlds—one banker who can connect clients to 10 or 15 different banking professionals.”

That unique model allows Regions to deliver comprehensive support across treasury management, capital markets, SBA lending, asset-based lending, and more. It also creates a seamless experience for clients, who benefit from coordinated effort without navigating a complex organizational structure.

Just as important is the bank’s emphasis on collaboration. Regions bankers live out the values of understanding client goals and challenges, working in tandem to identify opportunities and develop tailored strategies for growth.

We’re not too big and not too small,”“Some larger institutions can become siloed, while smaller ones may not have the full range of capabilities. Thad Walton

“We like nothing better than sitting down with business owners and delivering advice from a 360-degree standpoint,” Walton said. “When a banker is willing to have that level of involvement, clients really respond to it.”

Leadership that builds trust

Walton’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Regions’ approach in the Carolinas. His recent inclusion in the North Carolina Business’ Power List 500, recognizing the state’s most influential leaders, underscores the trust he has built within the business community.

“I was just honored to be named,” Walton continued. “But it’s not just me. In truth, it comes from a team that understands who Regions is and how our value proposition matches the market,” Walton said. “We’re not trying to be everything to everyone—we focus on executing well and building strong relationships.”

That philosophy has guided the bank’s growth strategy, helping expand its reach while maintaining a strong reputation for service and consistency.

We’re not trying to be everything to everyone—we focus on executing well and building strong relationships. Thad Walton

A team built for growth

Regions’ presence in the Carolinas dates back decades, playing an instrumental role in past growth. But as the area’s momentum continues to grow, the bank is accelerating the pace of its investment. To support its continued expansion, Regions has assembled a team of experienced bankers across key markets in the Carolinas.

These professionals join an existing, top-notch roster of industry professionals in the Carolinas. The result offers a unique mix of industry knowledge, local understanding, and entrepreneurial spirit—reflecting qualities the bank prioritizes.

“They’re motivated, they want to win, and they want to help people,” Walton said of the team. “That combination is what drives success—for them and for our clients.”

So, who is leading the next chapter of growth for the Carolinas?

The South Carolina team is led by Michael Wilkins, Commercial Banking Leader & Market Executive, Greenville, who was named to the role in July 2025 and oversees bankers in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston.

Since the beginning of 2025, the following relationship managers have joined the team or taken on new roles:

Together, a bright future ahead

With a growing team, a clear vision, and a powerful combination of capabilities and culture, Regions is well-positioned to play an even larger role in the Carolinas’ continued success.

The Regions Commercial Banking team delivers a high-performance platform with big-bank capabilities and meaningful local-market influence. It offers a culture of shared value and team-first collaboration, where people grow through performance-led exposure, clear career trajectory, and cross-functional collaboration. Bankers are rewarded using a competitive total rewards model aligned to collective success and long-term upside.

The bank’s strategy is simple but effective: invest in great people, prioritize relationships, and deliver meaningful experience to every client interaction.

For businesses across the Carolinas, that translates into something valuable: a financial resource that is not only ready to support growth, but also actively committed to helping shape what comes next.