United Bank has achieved a prestigious milestone by being named the No. 1 bank in South Carolina on Forbes’ Best-In-State Banks 2023 list. This accolade underscores the bank’s commitment to providing exemplary service and maintaining trust with its customers across the state. Earlier this year, United Bank was also recognized as the No. 1 Most Trustworthy Bank in America by Newsweek, affirming its position as a leader in the banking industry.
Expanding in the South with Integrity and Care
United Bank’s journey to this recognition is rooted in its strategic expansion in the South, following the acquisition of CresCom Bank three years ago. This expansion was not just about growth but about enhancing service delivery to South Carolina’s diverse communities. Richard M. Adams, Jr., CEO of United Bankshares, Inc., emphasizes the bank’s mission, stating, “We are deeply committed to our mission of providing excellence in service to our communities across the state, as well as throughout our wider footprint, guided by our core values of integrity, hard work, teamwork, and caring.”
These core values resonate strongly with underrepresented and minority communities, who often seek banking partners that prioritize trust, transparency, and inclusivity. United Bank’s dedication to these principles has fostered deep connections with its customers, empowering them through financial stability and support.
A Legacy of Trust and Growth
Founded in 1839, United Bank has a long-standing history of building personal relationships on a foundation of trust. Over the years, it has evolved from a single-office bank into a premier regional banking company with a significant presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. The bank operates 34 locations in South Carolina and over 65 across the wider Carolinas, holding nearly $30 billion in assets.
The bank’s commitment to its stakeholders is evident in its financial performance, having increased dividends to its shareholders for 49 consecutive years—a remarkable achievement matched by only one other major banking company in the U.S. This consistency speaks to United Bank’s robust business practices and its focus on delivering long-term value.
Forbes’ Best-In-State Banks Criteria
Forbes’ Best-In-State Banks ranking is based on an independent survey of U.S. consumers and a sentiment analysis of publicly available reviews and ratings. The survey evaluates institutions on customer service, quality of financial advice, fee transparency, ease of navigating the company website, on-location branch services, and the overall level of trust the companies inspire.
In today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, such recognition highlights the importance of banks that genuinely care for their communities and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. For minority and underrepresented communities, these values are essential in choosing financial partners who understand and support their unique needs.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Empowerment and Excellence
United Bank’s recognition on the Forbes Best-In-State Banks 2023 list is more than just an award—it’s a testament to the bank’s unwavering commitment to excellence, trust, and community service. By championing these values, United Bank is not only serving its customers but also setting a standard for other financial institutions to follow.
As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded of the importance of supporting businesses and institutions that advocate for and uplift minority communities. United Bank’s success story serves as an inspiration and a call to action for continued advocacy, ensuring that all communities have access to reliable and trustworthy financial services.
