Huntington Bank has arrived in Charleston with ambitions that stretch far beyond King Street’s banking corridor, part of a sweeping 55-branch expansion across North and South Carolina that signals the Ohio-based institution’s serious play for Lowcountry customers.

Under the leadership of Trent Holland, Huntington’s Carolina expansion represents one of the most aggressive banking pushes into South Carolina in recent years. The move comes as Charleston’s population boom and economic growth have made the region increasingly attractive to out-of-state financial institutions looking to capture market share from established local players.

“We’re not just opening branches and hoping for the best,” Holland said in a recent interview. “Our approach centers on understanding what makes each community unique and how we can genuinely support local businesses and families.”

The expansion puts Huntington in direct competition with heavyweights like Bank of America and Wells Fargo, along with regional favorites such as South State Bank and First Citizens. But Holland believes Huntington’s community banking philosophy, combined with big-bank resources, creates a compelling proposition for Charleston-area customers.

Huntington’s Charleston presence includes locations strategically positioned to serve both downtown professionals and suburban families. The bank has established footholds in high-growth areas like Mount Pleasant and West Ashley, recognizing that Charleston’s economic engine extends well beyond the peninsula.

The timing appears deliberate. Charleston’s metropolitan area continues adding residents at breakneck pace, with new housing developments sprouting from Summerville to Johns Island. Young professionals relocating from markets where Huntington already operates – including Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania – represent natural customer targets.

“Banking follows population and economic growth,” said Dr. Frank Hefner, an economics professor at the College of Charleston who tracks regional financial trends. “When you see this kind of coordinated expansion, it tells you the data supports Charleston as a growth market for years to come.”

Huntington’s strategy extends beyond traditional retail banking. The institution has made particular overtures to Charleston’s small business community, offering specialized lending products and business banking services designed for companies navigating rapid growth.

Local business owners have taken notice. Sarah Martinez, who runs a Mount Pleasant marketing firm, recently switched her business banking to Huntington after growing frustrated with her previous institution’s bureaucracy.

“They actually understand that small businesses need flexibility,” Martinez said. “When I needed a quick credit line expansion for a new client project, they made it happen in days, not weeks.”

The Carolina expansion also reflects broader trends reshaping banking across the Southeast. Traditional community banks face pressure from both large national institutions and emerging fintech companies. Mid-sized regional banks like Huntington occupy an increasingly important middle ground, offering personal service with sophisticated technology platforms.

Huntington’s technology infrastructure has become a key selling point in Charleston’s tech-savvy market. The bank’s mobile app and online platform compete favorably with larger competitors, while maintaining the responsiveness that customers expect from smaller institutions.

Holland’s background positions him well for the Carolina challenge. Before joining Huntington, he spent years in community banking across the Southeast, developing expertise in markets similar to Charleston’s blend of historic charm and modern growth.

“Charleston reminds me why I got into community banking originally,” Holland said. “You have established businesses that have been family-owned for generations, sitting alongside startups that are trying to scale nationally. Both need different things from their bank.”

The expansion hasn’t occurred without challenges. Huntington entered a market where customer loyalty runs deep, particularly among older residents who have banked with the same institution for decades. Building trust takes time, especially for a bank whose headquarters sit 400 miles north in Columbus, Ohio.

Competitive pressure from established players has also intensified. Local banks haven’t passively watched Huntington’s arrival. Several have launched their own expansion initiatives, upgraded technology platforms, and enhanced customer service to retain market share.

Huntington’s community involvement strategy aims to accelerate local acceptance. The bank has committed to supporting Charleston-area nonprofits, with particular focus on financial literacy programs and small business development initiatives.

Recent partnerships include collaboration with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce on entrepreneur education programs and support for affordable housing initiatives in North Charleston. These efforts help establish Huntington as a genuine community partner rather than just another out-of-state bank seeking deposits.

The Carolina expansion represents significant investment for Huntington, with branch construction, staff hiring, and marketing campaigns requiring substantial upfront capital. Bank executives clearly view the expenditure as essential for long-term growth in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.

Early results appear promising. Deposit growth in Huntington’s Carolina markets has exceeded internal projections, with particular strength in business banking and residential mortgages. The bank’s lending portfolio in the region has expanded steadily as local businesses discover Huntington’s credit capabilities.

Looking ahead, Holland expects continued expansion within existing markets rather than geographic spread into new territories. Charleston’s West Ashley and James Island represent potential areas for additional branches as development continues.

“We’re not trying to be everywhere at once,” Holland explained. “The focus remains on serving our current communities exceptionally well, then growing thoughtfully from that foundation.”

For Charleston banking customers, Huntington’s arrival means additional choices in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Whether seeking personal banking, business loans, or investment services, consumers now have another established option with regional expertise and national resources.