U.S. Bank Focuses on Expansion in the Southeast
U.S. Bank, a Minneapolis-based lender, has set its sights on further expansion across the Southeast region after successfully adding bankers to serve businesses in Dallas and Houston. According to Dee O’Dell, head of business banking sales at U.S. Bank, the company plans to hire at least a dozen bankers in states such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina within the next six months.
Strategic Growth Initiatives
The super-regional bank has recently augmented its teams of bankers in key markets to capitalize on growth opportunities. Teams have been added in Charlotte, North Carolina; Las Vegas; and Chicago, with a total of about 250 new hires in O’Dell’s unit this year. In Houston, where a new business banking team was recently introduced, the bank has already hired four people and plans to bring on two more.
U.S. Bank’s business banking segment caters to companies generating between $2.5 million to $50 million in annual revenue. With approximately 1,200 employees nationwide serving about 75,000 clients, the bank is focused on providing a range of credit options, including conventional financing, real estate loans, and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.
Comprehensive Services and Consultative Approach
Bankers at U.S. Bank aim to connect commercial clients with a suite of services such as credit cards, merchant processing, treasury management, foreign exchange, and wealth management. By offering a holistic approach to banking services, the lender seeks to deliver value and enhance efficiency for its clients.
To better understand the needs of businesses, U.S. Bank has developed a proprietary diagnostic tool in collaboration with a fintech partner. This tool assesses business requirements, evaluates money movement efficiency, and provides insights to improve overall operations. By taking a consultative and holistic approach, the bank aims to help clients optimize their processes and achieve greater efficiency.
Focus on SBA Lending and Succession Planning
U.S. Bank has doubled its SBA lending in the past two years, totaling $871.2 million in SBA 7(a) loans in fiscal 2025. This growth in SBA lending has enabled the bank to support businesses in accessing capital and has contributed to a low loss ratio in this segment.
For businesses facing succession planning, SBA loans can be a viable option. O’Dell highlighted the bank’s commitment to assisting owners nearing retirement by facilitating business transitions through SBA financing. Whether it’s helping the next generation of business owners acquire businesses or supporting existing owners in monetizing their investments, U.S. Bank aims to play a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transition of ownership.
Overall, U.S. Bank’s strategic expansion in the Southeast, coupled with its focus on providing tailored banking solutions and fostering long-term relationships with clients, reflects its commitment to driving growth and supporting the business community.
Sources: Here
