How this bank plans to grow in Greenville, Charleston.

• Position: Fifth Third Bank

With approximately 1,100 financial centers already in business nationwide, an Ohio-based bank plans to expand further in the Southeast.

Fifth Third Bank currently has four locations in Greenville and expects to open four additional locations by the end of the year, with two branches anticipated to open in Charleston this year as well.

Tommy Lloyd, Fifth Third Bank regional retail executive, said the bank plans to have an up to 12 financial centers in the Upstate and 10 or more in the Lowcountry by 2025.

Founded in 1858 as the Bank of the Ohio Valley, the company opened in Cincinnati. Fifth Third Bank is now worth nearly $24 billion. Currently headquartered in Cincinnati, Fifth Third is one of the largest consumer banks in the Midwest.

"We are always surprised by how well the community embraces us," said Lee Fite, Fifth Third Bank president, Carolinas region. "Every one of these additions do better than the last opening in Greenville and Charleston, which keeps us wanting to invest more in South Carolina and to continue doing business here. Expanding in this state is not anything new for us, but what is newer is having a more robust and long-term branch expansion plan."

Fifth Third's model is based on convenience for customers, having a comfortable, community friendly environment, great technology and products, and affordable rates, said Lloyd.

"It's a combination of things like this that create interest and lifelong customers," he added. "Our competitive advantage is being customer centric. Identifying challenges, goals and how can we help you through your lifelong journey. Whether its retirement, buying a home, auto loan, saving for your child's college, we are skilled at giving advice you need to be successful on your financial journey."

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