RALEIGH, N.C. – October 26, 2026 – For the fourth year in a row, First Citizens Bank has been named Super Regional Bank 504 Lender of the Year for loans to small businesses by the National Association of Development Companies (NADCO).  

By partnering with Certified Development Companies (CDCs) on 174 loans and lending more than $314 million to small businesses from October 2025 to September 2026, First Citizens Bank earned the “Super Regional Bank” award from NADCO. This award is presented to the Bank partner with total assets of $100 billion to $500 billion and has provided the highest number of Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans.

“Helping small businesses access the capital they need to grow is core to our company and has been at the heart of our SBA lending business for more than a decade,” said Adrienne Sipe, Executive Director of SBA Lending, First Citizens Bank. “We’re honored to receive this recognition, which reflects our commitment to entrepreneurs and to delivering financing solutions that help businesses take their next big step.”

“We are honored to recognize First Citizens Bank with the NADCO Community Impact Award, 2026 Super Regional Bank 504 Lender of the Year,” said Rhonda Pointon, President and CEO of NADCO. “First Citizens Bank’s partnership is critical to advancing the mission of the SBA 504 program. First Citizens’ commitment and dedication ensures small business owners across the country get the access to capital they need to succeed and make a positive impact in their communities.”

With decades of experience working with clients nationwide across multiple industries, First Citizens Bank has a department of 75 specialists supporting its SBA division and offers access to the SBA 7(a), SBA 504 and SBA Express loan programs. Over the last four fiscal years, First Citizens Bank has issued more than $1.8 billion in 504 loans in partnership with CDCs.

“The SBA 504 program is a powerful tool that helps small businesses invest in growth, create jobs and strengthen local economies,” said Shiloh Hall, Director of SBA Lending, First Citizens Bank. “At First Citizens, we are proud to support entrepreneurs with the financing and expertise they need to achieve their goals and build lasting success.”

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 $200 billion in assets and a member of the Fortune 500™. Discover more at firstcitizens.com.

Media Contact
Liz Shapiro
Elizabeth.shapiro@firstcitizens.com