Expansion in the Carolinas by Huntington is progressing more rapidly than anticipated, according to the company's Chief Financial Officer.
Huntington Bank Expands Presence in the Carolinas
Huntington Bank began its expansion in the Carolinas in 2023, marking a significant step in its broader strategy to grow in high-growth southern markets. The bank opened a regional headquarters and now employs over 200 people in the region.
The expansion plans include opening 55 new branches across North Carolina and South Carolina, with the aim of creating 350 new local jobs. The first branches in both states have already incorporated Huntington’s refreshed brand and new banking features introduced in 2025.
This expansion is a natural progression for Huntington Bank, following its $1.9 billion acquisition of Veritex Holdings in 2025, which added significant assets and branches in Texas and helped scale Huntington’s Southern presence.
Huntington Bank's growth strategy in the Carolinas is focused on serving middle-market companies, offering deposit taking, lending, and various financial services. The bank is cautious about expanding into new geographic territories, ensuring it can fully win in the market and execute successfully.
To stand out, Huntington Bank aims to deliver locally as a top-20 bank, focusing on service, products, transparency, and digital capabilities. The bank is building out a physical branch infrastructure, line up organizational resources, and investing heavily in marketing for its Carolinas expansion.
The bank's expansion in the Carolinas and Texas is not without competition. Huntington Bank faces competition from large banks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, and PNC, as well as regional rivals such as Fifth Third. However, Huntington Bank is confident in its strategic execution and growth prospects, citing continued broadening of their loan portfolio, deeper client relationships, and traction in newer markets such as the Carolinas as key drivers.
Looking ahead, Huntington Bank's leadership expects North and South Carolina to rank in its top four regions by 2030. The bank anticipates sustaining strong growth while maintaining disciplined risk management, with continued expansion and job creation playing a significant role in its growth ambitions.
[1] Huntington Bank Press Release, "Huntington Bank Announces Expansion into the Carolinas," 2023. [2] Huntington Bank Press Release, "Huntington Bank Acquires Veritex Holdings," 2025. [3] Huntington Bank Annual Report, 2029. [4] Huntington Bank Press Release, "Huntington Bank Opens New Branches in North and South Carolina," 2025. [5] Huntington Bank Press Release, "Huntington Bank Introduces New Banking Features," 2025.
- Huntington Bank is investing in expanding its presence in the Carolinas with plans to open 55 new branches, focusing on serving middle-market companies in the region.
- The bank's growth strategy in the Carolinas includes a significant investment in marketing and building out a physical branch infrastructure to stand out among competitors like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, PNC, and regional rivals such as Fifth Third.
- In the banking-and-insurance industry, Huntington Bank has been aggressive in its Southern strategy, having already acquired Veritex Holdings in 2025 to scale its presence in Texas, and now eyes the Carolinas as a key market for growth, aiming to rank in its top four regions by 2030.
